Aurelia Ruetsch Appointed Secretary General of the Global Esports Federation
- Gabriel Chan
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
The Global Esports Federation has announced the appointment of Aurelia Ruetsch as Secretary General, following approval by the GEF Executive Committee under the authority delegated by the Board in accordance with the GEF Constitution. Her appointment marks a historic milestone as the first woman to serve as Secretary General of Esports at the global level.
A dual Canadian and French citizen, Ruetsch brings a uniquely international perspective to the role, shaped by more than two decades of senior leadership experience across global sport, major international events, governance, education, and cultural diplomacy. A Founding Board Member of the Global Esports Federation, she is currently serving her second mandate as a Board Member through December 2027 and has been closely involved in the GEF’s development since its inception.
Her designation as Secretary General ensures continuity in the day-to-day administration and management of GEF, in line with Article 23 of the GEF Constitution, pending the formal election of the Secretary General at the next GEF General Assembly.
Throughout her career, Ruetsch has held senior roles within the Olympic Movement and across major international sporting and multi-event organizations, working closely with governments, host cities, international federations, and institutional partners. Her experience spans strategic planning, governance, stakeholder coordination, and operational delivery for complex, multi-year initiatives—expertise that aligns directly with the responsibilities of leading a global federation.
Within GEF, Ruetsch has played a central leadership role across governance and delivery. She has served as Chair of the International Relations & Development Commission, Member of the Governance, Ethics and Membership Commission, Member of the Global Esports Games Coordination Commission, and Chair of the European Games Esports Championships Katowice 2023 Coordination Commission. These roles have positioned her at the heart of GEF’s international cooperation, governance standards, and flagship event coordination.
In parallel with her responsibilities at GEF, Ruetsch also plays a senior executive coordination and strategic leadership role within the World Technology Group, contributing to organizational alignment across strategy, governance, and global initiatives at the intersection of technology, innovation, and culture.
An accomplished author and educator, she maintains an ongoing commitment to teaching, education-focused committees, and knowledge development, reinforcing education as a cornerstone of inclusion, empowerment, and long-term growth.
Reflecting on her appointment, Aurelia Ruetsch said, “I am deeply grateful to our President and the Board for their trust and confidence. Esports is one of the most powerful cultural and generational connectors of our time, and to serve as Secretary General of the Global Esports Federation is both an honor and a responsibility. Together, we will continue to build an institution defined by integrity, inclusion, and a clear commitment to the future of our global community.”
GEF President & Chief Executive Officer, Sir Paul J. Foster, added, on behalf of the Board and the global GEF community, “Aurelia’s appointment reflects both her exceptional credentials and the values we seek to uphold at GEF. Her international experience, intellectual leadership, and deep understanding of our mission make her uniquely qualified to serve as GEF Secretary General. We congratulate her warmly and look forward to the continued strengthening of the Global Esports community.”
As Secretary General, Ruetsch will perform her functions within the GEF Executive Office, reporting to the GEF President and operating under the oversight of the GEF Board, supporting GEF’s global membership and advancing the Federation’s vision of a truly #worldconnected esports ecosystem.
