Veteran policy strategist Michael O’Leary to lead association’s government relations team
WASHINGTON – JANUARY 13, 2020 – Senior strategist Michael O’Leary will join the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the trade association that represents the U.S. video game industry, the group announced today. O’Leary will lead the ESA’s Government Affairs team and oversee political strategy for the organization’s policy initiatives. He brings more than twenty-five years of experience in both the public and private sectors, most recently serving as Senior Vice President for Global Policy and Public Affairs at 21st Century Fox.
“Michael is a widely-respected strategist and political mind,” said the ESA’s CEO, Stanley Pierre-Louis. “With his deep knowledge and expertise in issues at the heart of our industry, he will be a premier advocate for our members and the works they create. We’re proud to welcome him to the video game industry as a key member of ESA’s leadership team.”
The addition of Mr. O’Leary rounds out the ESA’s senior leadership team. The association recently welcomed Gina Vetere as SVP, General Counsel, after Pierre-Louis, former General Counsel, was promoted to President and CEO.
“Michael is a true strategist whose leadership and substantive approach to policy make him the ideal choice to lead ESA’s government affairs team,” said Fred Humphries, Corporate Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs for Microsoft. “He brings great perspective and expertise to help propel industry growth and advancement.”
O’Leary has years of experience advocating on key policy issues, including intellectual property, first amendment rights, trade, media, and innovation. Following government service, O’Leary joined the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and held a number of policy roles, ultimately becoming Senior Executive Vice President for Global Policy and External Affairs. He led the creation of the MPA’s global policy team and managed a staff of 80 policy personnel located in Washington, D.C. as well as in Brasilia, Brussels, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Singapore and Toronto.
“Michael’s focus on delivering results makes him incredibly effective and a top advocate to have on your side,” said Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). “He is a natural fit to lead ESA’s political strategy and continue his leadership on today’s leading policy issues.”
O’Leary began his career serving as an attorney on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, rising to the role of Chief Counsel of the Constitution Subcommittee. Immediately thereafter, he joined the U.S. Department of Justice, initially working in the Office of Legislative Affairs before moving to the Criminal Division, where he became Deputy Chief of the Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section. After leaving the MPA in 2014, O’Leary also opened his own public affairs consultancy, O’Leary Global Solutions, LLC.
About The ESA
The ESA offers a wide range of services to interactive entertainment software companies, including conducting business and consumer research; providing legal and policy analysis and advocacy on First Amendment, intellectual property, and technology/e-commerce issues; managing a global content protection program; owning and operating E3; and representing video game industry interests in federal and state government relations. For more information, visit the ESA’s website or follow the ESA on Twitter @theESA.
