Vlad Marinescu has replaced Colin Webster as the President of the International Esports Federation (IESF), the organisation has announced.
Marinescu replaces Webster after the latter stepped down from his role due to “circumstances resulting directly from the COVID-19 crisis, and the ever increasing challenging situation in South Africa related to travel restrictions”.
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Upon stepping down, Webster proposed to the board that Marinescu rise from Vice President to President, and that His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Al Nahayan should, in turn, replace Marinescu as Vice President. The board unanimously ratified the proposal. The pair shall hold their positions until the next Ordinary General Assembly.
It was also agreed unanimously that Webster remain on the board to continue in a support role “paying special attention to legal and financial matters.”
Webster revealed some of the reasoning behind his abdication from the Federation’s presidency in a statement: “I have always believed that a leader, like the organization itself, must always serve its members. The challenges of the current crisis has sorely tested my efficacy in serving those who elected me, and after long and hard introspection, I believe that Vlad Marinescu and His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Al Nahayan would be better suited to lead IESF in these troubled times.
“I have absolute confidence knowing that the IESF will continue to flourish through this next chapter. There is no doubt in my mind that IESF shall continue to unite that which is fractious, protect the esports athlete, and deliver more than ever before.”
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Marinescu was co-opted to the organisation’s board in early 2019 before being elected for a three-year term at the IESF’s Ordinary General Meeting. As well as his position at the IESF, he fulfils roles as President of the United States Esports Federation and as Chief Media & Marketing Officer of the International Judo Federation.
Marinescu stated: “We are truly indebted to President Webster. His life has been committed to public service. We are fortunate that we managed to convince him to stay on the board to continue to provide sage advice. The solid foundations that IESF is built upon is down to Colin who has shown tremendous leadership in growing IESF as a truly global esports governing body.
“IESF, a purely non profit association, was established in 2008. During the next period I will dedicate myself to continuing the mission proposed by Colin and together with the united IESF Board, we will ensure to serve our members while growing and uniting the esports world further.”
Esports Insider says: The current crisis presents difficulties across all lines of work, so it’s no surprise to hear that COVID-19 might prevent Webster from adequately fulfilling his duties as IESF’s President. We wish Marinescu the best of luck in succeeding him.