James McArdle

James McArdle is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in strategy and research within the gaming industry, currently serving as the Sr. Director of Innovation Strategy and Head of Insights for Games at Riot Games since August 2013. McArdle has played pivotal roles in shaping the company’s overall strategy, product development philosophy, and innovation culture, specifically through leadership positions in R&D and insights for various gaming initiatives, including Valorant. Prior to joining Riot Games, McArdle worked as a consultant at McArdle Consulting, and as a marketing manager at Patexia, where notable achievements included significantly increasing user acquisition and improving marketing ROI. McArdle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Psychology from Cornell University, complemented by graduate coursework in Applied Math and Physics.