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John Riccitiello

American business executive who is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Unity Technologies.
John Riccitiello
Nationality
American
Residence
San Francisco Bay Area, CA, United States
Occupation
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of Unity, the world's leading platform for creating and growing interactive, real-time (RT3D) content & Board of Directors at the Haas School of Business
Accolades
Ranked number 39 on Sports Illustrated's 2013 list of the "50 Most Powerful People in Sports." Recognition as one of the most influential people in the gaming industry at the Game Developers Choice Awards. Inclusion in Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People. Acknowledgement as one of the most powerful individuals in the video game industry by Business Insider.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Haas School of Business (University of California, Berkeley)
Social Media
Summary

Mr John S. Riccitiello is a prominent business executive known for his leadership roles in various companies. Currently, he holds the positions of President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director at Unity Technologies SF, a leading technology company specializing in game development. He is also the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer at Unity Software, Inc., a subsidiary of Unity Technologies SF. Additionally, Mr Riccitiello serves as Chairman at VG Holding Corp. (FL).

Mr. Riccitiello is actively involved in the boards of several organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors at Unity Technologies SF, contributing to the company's strategic direction and growth. He is also a member of the Board of Directors at the Haas School of Business, a prestigious business school affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley.

Throughout his career, Mr. Riccitiello has held key leadership positions in notable companies. He was Chairman of Telltale, Inc., a company specializing in interactive entertainment and storytelling. He served as Chief Executive Officer and Director at Electronic Arts, Inc., one of the largest video game companies globally, where he played a pivotal role in the company's growth and success. Mr. Riccitiello also held the positions of Chief Executive Officer at VG Holding Corp. and Managing Director at Elevation Management LLC, a private equity firm focusing on entertainment and media businesses.

Biography

John Riccitiello, born in 1958, is an American business executive known for his significant contributions to the gaming industry. He hails from Erie, Pennsylvania. Riccitiello graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley in 1981.

Early in his career, Riccitiello held positions at Clorox and PepsiCo. He gained valuable experience as the managing director of the Häagen-Dazs division of Grand Metropolitan. In late 1993, he assumed the roles of president and CEO of Wilson Sporting Goods and chairman of MacGregor Golf.

Continuing his successful career trajectory, Riccitiello served as the president and CEO of Sara Lee Corporation's Sara Lee Bakery Worldwide unit from March 1996 to September 1997. It was during this time that he solidified his reputation as a capable and effective leader.

In October 1997, Riccitiello joined Electronic Arts (EA), one of the world's largest video game companies. Initially serving as the company's president and chief operating officer, he played a crucial role in the growth and success of EA. During his tenure at EA, Riccitiello made significant contributions to the company's strategy and oversaw the release of several successful video game franchises.

In 2004, Riccitiello left EA to co-found Elevation Partners, a private equity firm focused on the entertainment and media sectors. Collaborating with renowned individuals like Roger McNamee and Bono, Riccitiello brought his business acumen and industry expertise to Elevation Partners.

However, his journey led him back to Electronic Arts in 2007, where he assumed the position of CEO. As CEO, Riccitiello made strides in expanding the company's portfolio and embracing new technologies and platforms. Under his leadership, EA experienced growth and diversification.

In 2013, Riccitiello resigned as CEO of EA due to the company's financial performance. Following his departure from EA, he served as an advisor to various startup companies and became an early investor in Oculus VR, a virtual reality technology company.

In late 2014, Riccitiello embarked on a new endeavour as CEO of Unity Technologies. Unity Technologies specializes in game development tools and technologies, providing a platform for developers to create and publish games across multiple platforms. Riccitiello has focused on expanding the use of Unity's software tools beyond gaming, exploring applications in industries such as automotive design, construction, and filmmaking.

Throughout his career, Riccitiello has been actively involved in the gaming industry and served on several company boards, including the Entertainment Software Association, the Entertainment Software Rating Board, the Haas School of Business, and the USC School of Cinematic Arts. John Riccitiello's contributions to the gaming industry, his leadership roles, and his efforts to drive innovation and growth have cemented his place as a prominent figure in the business world.

Vision

John Riccitiello has demonstrated a visionary approach throughout his career, particularly in the gaming and technology industries. His strategic thinking and innovative mindset have guided companies to adapt and thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape of interactive entertainment and software development.

One of Riccitiello's key visions is the democratization of game development and technology. As the CEO of Unity Technologies, he has spearheaded efforts to make game development accessible to a broader audience. Under his leadership, Unity has developed user-friendly tools and a robust ecosystem that empowers developers of all skill levels to create high-quality games and interactive experiences. Riccitiello believes in breaking down barriers and enabling aspiring creators to bring their ideas to life, regardless of their background or resources.

Beyond gaming, Riccitiello envisions the broader application of Unity's technology in various industries. He has been a strong advocate for expanding the use of Unity's software tools into fields such as automotive design, architecture, film production, and virtual reality. By leveraging the power of real-time 3D graphics and simulation, Riccitiello aims to revolutionize how these industries approach design, visualization, and collaboration.

Riccitiello's vision extends to the concept of convergence, where different forms of media and technology seamlessly blend together. He recognizes the increasing interconnectedness of gaming, film, music, and other creative industries. By fostering collaboration and integrating various mediums, he aims to create immersive experiences that blur the boundaries between entertainment forms. Riccitiello envisions a future where interactive storytelling and digital experiences become even more compelling and deeply integrated into our daily lives.

Recognition and Awards
Ranked number 39 on Sports Illustrated's 2013 list of the "50 Most Powerful People in Sports." Recognition as one of the most influential people in the gaming industry at the Game Developers Choice Awards. Inclusion in Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People. Acknowledgment as one of the most powerful individuals in the video game industry by Business Insider. Unity Technologies recognized as one of the top 50 venture-backed companies by The Wall Street Journal.
References
John Riccitiello
Nationality
American
Residence
San Francisco Bay Area, CA, United States
Occupation
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of Unity, the world's leading platform for creating and growing interactive, real-time (RT3D) content & Board of Directors at the Haas School of Business
Accolades
Ranked number 39 on Sports Illustrated's 2013 list of the "50 Most Powerful People in Sports." Recognition as one of the most influential people in the gaming industry at the Game Developers Choice Awards. Inclusion in Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People. Acknowledgement as one of the most powerful individuals in the video game industry by Business Insider.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Haas School of Business (University of California, Berkeley)
Social Media