Paul J. Foster

Paul J. Foster is a global executive, strategist, and thought leader with a distinguished career spanning esports, the Olympic movement, and international consultancy. 

He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Esports Federation (GEF), an international organisation for esports that promotes competition, community, and connection. Launched in 2019, the GEF now counts more than 180 Member Federations and well over 100 partnerships. He is the Executive Chairman of World Technology Games.

Previously, Paul has spent over two decades in the Olympics, including the Beijing 2008 and Vancouver 2010 Olympics, and has led teams at more than 10 Olympic Games. 

• Beginning with the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where he served as Venue Manager for International Relations. 
• He was the General Manager for International Relations during the Salt Lake 2002 Games and Advisor for the Athens 2004 Games. 
• He was also the Head of Protocol, Events, and Hospitality at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland. 

Paul founded PJF Group LLC, a strategic consultancy firm based in London and Los Angeles. Through this venture, he has worked directly with Sovereigns, Heads of State and Government, Members of Royal and Ruling Families as well as Ministers and Cabinet Secretaries.

Paul was also the Vice President of Protocol, Events, Ceremonies, and Hospitality at World Expo 2020 Dubai, and held key leadership roles for the Baku 2015 European Games, the Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games, and as Executive Director of the Operations Secretariat for Expo 2025 Baku Azerbaijan Candidature.

Paul is also the Executive Chairman of the Board for the World Technology Games, and the  External Advisor to McKinsey & Company, contributing strategic insights to a global consulting firm.

He contributes to academia as an Associate Professor in International Relations, teaching in Rome and New York, fluent in English, Italian, French, and Spanish. He has also taught as a Guest Professor at New York University and the SIOI – UN Association of Italy. 

Paul holds: 

• a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) from Macquarie University, 
• a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Technology Sydney, 
• Master of Arts (MA) in Protocol and Diplomacy, specialising in international relations, from the Universidad Camilo José Cela 
• Master of Arts (MA) in ISPD Protocol & Diplomacy, Brussels
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the MIT Sloan School of Management (MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory CSAIL)

Paul is a certified advanced yoga instructor by YogaWorks (USA) and Byron Yoga Centre (Australia). 

Paul studied Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) from Macquarie University (1989–1991) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Technology Sydney (1995–1997). Later, he pursued Master of Arts (MA) degrees in Protocol and Diplomacy, specialising in international relations, from the Universidad Camilo José Cela (2015–2017) and ISPD Protocol & Diplomacy, Brussels (2013–2016). In addition, Paul expanded his knowledge in emerging technologies, studying Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the MIT Sloan School of Management and the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL).

Paul dedicated over two decades to the Olympic movement, beginning with the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where he served as Venue Manager for International Relations. He held progressively senior roles, including General Manager for International Relations during the Salt Lake 2002 Games and Advisor for the Athens 2004 Games. His exceptional contributions culminated in his role as Head of Protocol, Events, and Hospitality at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland. Over 15 years, he led teams across more than 12 Olympic and Continental Games, including the Beijing 2008 and Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

After his tenure in the Olympic movement, Paul founded PJF Group LLC, a strategic consultancy firm based in London and Los Angeles. Through this venture, he worked with global leaders, including Sovereigns, Heads of State and Government, Royal Families, Ministers, and Cabinet Secretaries, helping them evolve vision setting, strategy, and sustainable ambitions beyond immediate outcomes. His consultancy expertise extended to multinational brands, global institutions, and transformative projects worldwide.

Paul's extensive leadership roles include serving as Vice President of Protocol, Events, Ceremonies, and Hospitality at Expo 2020 Dubai, where he pioneered start-up operations, lifecycle planning, budgeting, and strategic vision-setting for one of the world's largest global events. Additionally, he held key leadership roles for the Baku 2015 European Games, the Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games, and as Executive Director of the Operations Secretariat for Expo 2025 Baku Azerbaijan Candidature.

Paul's tenure at the GEF began as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Advisor to the Board in November 2019. He was instrumental in laying the organisation's foundation, strategy, and operational framework. In March 2021, he was appointed CEO, where he continues to lead the Executive Office in delivering the strategic direction and development of the world’s premier esports organisation. His work at GEF reflects his ability to mobilise partnerships, bridge human connections, and leverage technology for sustainable and inclusive global progress.

In January 2023, Paul assumed the role of Executive Chairman of the Board for the World Technology Games, further expanding his influence in the realms of technology and global innovation. He also serves as an External Advisor to McKinsey & Company, contributing strategic insights to a global consulting firm.

Paul is also a recognised academic, serving as an Associate Professor and Lecturer in International Relations in Rome and New York. His commitment to mentorship and education is evident in his tenure as a Guest Professor at New York University (2010–2018) and as a Guest Lecturer for the SIOI – UN Association of Italy (2002–2012). He is multilingual, fluent in English, Italian, French, and Spanish.

Beyond academia and consultancy, Paul is an advanced yoga instructor (E-RYT® 500) certified by YogaWorks (USA) and Byron Yoga Centre (Australia). His passion for human-centric wellness and sustainability is reflected in his belief in holistic approaches to leadership and personal development.

Paul J. Foster’s vision is rooted in fostering inclusive global progress through innovation, strategic partnerships, and sustainable development. As a leader, he seeks to empower communities and individuals by leveraging technology, diplomacy, and human-centric solutions.

In his capacity as CEO of the Global Esports Federation, Paul envisions a future where esports serves as a unifying platform, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries to create opportunities for collaboration and growth. His approach prioritises innovation, education, and the development of ecosystems that benefit not just the esports community but society as a whole.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Paul advocates for holistic well-being and sustainability. A certified advanced yoga instructor and a proponent of lifelong learning, he integrates principles of wellness and education into his leadership philosophy. His mission is to inspire individuals and organisations to think beyond immediate goals, aiming for long-term impact and fulfilment in an interconnected world.

Paul J. Foster's distinguished career has been marked by numerous recognitions and awards, reflecting his leadership and contributions across various sectors.

As the Chief Executive Officer of the GEF, Paul has been instrumental in advancing the federation's mission to promote credibility, legitimacy, and prestige in esports. Under his leadership, the GEF has been actively involved in initiatives that align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Notably, during the SDG Digital event, Paul presented the Pioneers Youth Award, recognising innovative projects supporting visually impaired individuals globally.

During his extensive tenure with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Paul led teams across more than 12 Olympic and Continental Games, including the Beijing 2008 and Vancouver 2010 Olympics. His leadership in protocol, events, and hospitality was pivotal in the success of these global events.

Paul has served as an Associate Professor and Lecturer in International Relations in Rome and New York, contributing to academia and mentoring future leaders. His commitment to education and mentorship underscores his dedication to fostering inclusive global progress.

Beyond his roles in esports and the Olympic movement, Paul serves as the Executive Chairman of the Board of the World Technology Games Organisation. He is also an External Advisor to McKinsey & Company, providing strategic insights to a global consulting firm.