David Hoppe

David Hoppe has a diverse work experience in the gaming industry. David is currently the President of Gen Con LLC since May 2017. David is also a member of Grubstakes, an angel investor syndicate in Seattle that funds and mentors startups.

Previously, David Hoppe worked as the Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Blastworks Inc. from August 2015 to May 2017. David led marketing, partnerships, licensing, and business development, and was responsible for a team building a content/advertising platform.

Before that, they were the General Manager of GameHouse at RealNetworks from October 2012 to August 2015. David also worked as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for Xbox LIVE at Microsoft from December 2007 to October 2012.

David Hoppe has entrepreneurial experience as the owner of Flashlight Creations, a design and business development company from March 2005 to January 2012. David co-founded the company and pioneered new play-patterns and business models for various entertainment companies.

Additionally, they served as the Chief Operating Officer at Tenacious Games Inc. from July 2006 to July 2007, where they guided the company's product launch strategy and managed its financial growth.

David Hoppe started their career in the gaming industry as a Senior Consultant at Upper Deck Entertainment from January 2003 to July 2006. David worked on branding and customer retention programs for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game and provided guidance on new business initiatives.

David also held a senior position at Wizards of the Coast from September 1995 to October 2002. As the Senior Vice President, they led the worldwide marketing division and multiple product development groups, contributing to the successful growth of the Pokemon trading card game.

David Hoppe attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 1983 to 1987, where they completed their Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on Political Science and Rhetoric. Later, they pursued their Master of Business Administration degree specializing in Finance and Marketing at the University of Washington - Michael G. Foster School of Business, from 1993 to 1995.