Former CEO of Pearl Studio and executive producer of Netflix’s ‘Over the Moon’ will head up new division to develop and expand existing IP, building on relationships with key Chinese partners to launch entertainment products targeting Chinese audiences.
Riot Games has tapped Frank Zhu as managing director for Riot Games’ China Entertainment, its newly formed division that will expand the company’s existing IP through film, television, music, consumer products, and live experiences. Zhu joins the game developer and publisher after serving since 2016 as the CEO of Pearl Studio, where he let teams across offices in Shanghai, Los Angeles, and New York. In 2020, Zhu served as executive producer for the Oscar-nominated animated feature Over the Moon, a co-production with Netflix. News of the appointment was announced by Riot Games’ Global President of Entertainment, Shauna Spenley, to whom Zhu will report.
In his new role, Zhu will collaborate with Spenley and Riot Games China VP and head, Leo Lin, to define an overall strategy and roadmap to build a roster of local talent and to create content that resonates with both players and Chinese audiences. Zhu will build on Riot’s ties with key Chinese partners to develop and launch entertainment products.
“We are incredibly excited to have Frank join our growing team at Riot Games Entertainment in this key leadership position,” commented Spenley. “With a proven track record supporting and building successful entertainment brands in China, expertise in film and animation, and an Oscar nomination under his belt, Frank brings knowledge and insight that will be invaluable to Riot as we expand our entertainment presence to Chinese audiences and audiences around the world.”
“We are all very much looking forward to Frank joining us,” added Lin. “With his leadership, we will further connect the dots across entertainment, esports and gaming in China, which is one of our most important markets, and bring the best entertainment experience to our players”
“I’m very excited to join the Riot Games family,” shared Zhu. “I look forward to working with Riot Games China and global teams and helping grow the best-in-class entertainment company in the 21st century.”
Prior to joining Pearl Studio, Zhu co-founded China’s leading children’s entertainment and media company, Taomee, where he served as chief producer for the animated TV series Mole’s World and Seer. He also served as one of the first professional leaders of The Walt Disney Company in China, where he helped establish Disney China's toy licensing. Zhu graduated from Fudan University with a degree in marketing.
Source: Riot Games
