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Subnation Adds Gaming Veterans From Activision Blizzard, ESL Gaming, SXSW and Riot Games

New Hires Will Help Brands Navigate Web3 And Bridge Physical and Digital Worlds Through Content, Experiences, Gaming and Merchandise

Subnation, the leading media tech holding company shaping the culture of gaming and a decentralized lifestyle, today announced a series of executive hires coming from Activision Blizzard, Riot Games, ESL Gaming and SXSW. These additions will further accelerate Subnation’s gaming, Web3 and metaverse offerings, which are driving next-generation experiences for brands like NASCAR, Fred Segal and Atari Hotels. 

“Subnation is a trusted voice and IP creator in the gaming and esports community, providing guidance to some of the world’s largest brands, event producers, destinations and athletes,” said Seven Volpone, Co-Founder & CEO of Subnation. “Our new team members come from some of the biggest players in gaming and entertainment, and will allow us to further innovate with our partners by bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds via content, experiences, esports, merchandise, events and more.”

Justin Burnham is joining as SVP Physical & Digital Experiences, where he will develop and produce owned and operated events with brand partners. Burnham will blend talent and technology to create experiences that tap into the culture of gaming and the overall digital ecosystem. Justin has 14 years of gaming industry experience, and prior to joining Subnation was a Founding Producer of Gaming at SXSW, served as VP of Creative at DreamHack, and serves as Portfolio Director of Devolver Digital owned, Good Shepherd Entertainment.

Daniel Herz joins as SVP of Business Development, where he will continue to drive adoption of Subnation’s cross-platform content and experiences, esports initiatives, and Web3 offerings for brands. Prior to Subnation, Herz was Chief Revenue Officer at Mission Control GG, where he united and grew local esports communities. Herz also served as Chief Revenue Officer and Vice President of Complexity Gaming, and was a Senior Partner Manager at ESL Gaming. 

Andy Ochiltree is joining as VP of Gaming, where he will discover, develop and drive gaming and esports opportunities for Subnation. He will also serve as Head of The Players League. Prior to joining Subnation, Andy led integrated marketing for the Overwatch League at Activision Blizzard.  He also led brand and product marketing at Mattel and Hasbro for franchises like Star Wars, Halo and Nerf, in addition to time served at Marvel Studios working on films such as Hulk, Spiderman 2 and Iron Man.

Seth Pyrzynski joins Subnation as VP of Strategy & Innovation, Web3. He will lead digital innovation, driving new business opportunities while building technical capabilities that define the future of human experiences. Seth is an endemic global gaming professional with over 15 years experience in live broadcast tournaments, gaming, and esports. Prior to joining Subnation, Seth was Director of Global Events for Blizzard Entertainment and Esports Live Product Director at Riot Games, in Berlin, Germany.

Since launching in 2018, Subnation has advised brands like Volkswagen and L’Oreal, as well as destinations including Raleigh, North Carolina, where the company recently drove the State’s House Bill 945 efforts to provide an industry-first esports tax incentive grant fund. Subnation owns and operates Trench Made Gaming, a joint esports team with Green Bay Packers star wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and The Players League, a platform uniting pro athletes, streamers and gamers to build an inclusive future for esports. 

Brands and retailers partner with Subnation to help them develop holistic Web3 strategies and technology in addition to gaming and esports content and advisory. Most recently, Subnation launched an NFT series with Emilia Clarke’s SameYou charity and helped Fred Segal transform it’s iconic store on Sunset Blvd. into Subnation’s owned and operated Artcade, an IRL retail experience that has both physical and digital goods that extend into the Metaverse.

About Subnation Subnation is a media tech holding company that develops, produces and manages lifestyle content, immersive experiences, and original properties that influence today’s culture. With a diverse team of industry experts, marketing professionals and innovative creators, the Company builds engaging live and Metaverse based programming that appeals to over 3 billion gamers and digital natives worldwide while collaborating with global brands like NASCAR, Alienware, Volkswagen and Atari Hotels, to establish an authentic voice and purposeful presence within the gaming community. Please visit Subnation.gg and Artcade.gg to learn more.