Shanghai-based Esports company VSPO announces the transition of Dino Ying to Executive Chairman following eight years as CEO, after founding the company in 2016. Danny Tang, Co-Founder, current CFO and Head of Global Strategy Office, will become the company’s new CEO.
According to Ying, Tang will use her new position to explore and create the next generation of esports products and experiences. She will also play a key role in growing the Esports Asian Champions League (ACL).
Launched by VSPO in September 2024, the ACL is an international, multi-title esports tournament based in Asia.
As an influential figure in the modern esports industry, Tang will also use her reach to support and grow global esports events such as the Esports World Cup, of which VSPO is a core partner.
“We will work closely with international governing bodies including the Esports World Cup Foundation and the International Olympic Committee,” says Tang.
According to Ying, Tang was integral in fundraising over USD 1 billion across VSPO and its sister company and global video games developer Hero Games.
Tang says as CEO, she will continue to drive growth across all aspects of the business.
“I am thrilled to be able to build upon the great work accomplished by Dino during his time as CEO, as we continue to identify attractive opportunities that will drive the company’s global expansion. We are very excited about our growth prospects and building a leading global esports platform that fosters a vibrant and inclusive environment, where players and fans alike can thrive,” says Tang.
As the lead on VSPO’s global expansion strategy, Tang also played a pivotal role in securing strategic partnerships with major international organizations such as Google as well as helping the company launch its business in key markets such as Saudi Arabia.
Prior to co-founding VSPO, Tang worked at the US and China offices of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. from 2007 to 2010 and served as Vice President at China Development Bank Capital between 2010 and 2014.
She holds a BA in Economics & Mathematics from Bryn Mawr College and a Master of Science in Management from Stanford University.
In 2022, Tang was recognised as one of the Top 100 Asian-Pacific Women-Powered Leaders by J.P. Morgan and Ernst & Young. In 2024, she was inducted into the Esports Hall of Fame by the renowned esports media outlet Esports Insider.
Luying Wang, VSPO’s Group Vice President and Head of Capital Markets, Finance and Legal, will replace Tang’s previous role and become the company’s Acting CFO.
To coincide with the leadership change, VSPO will also rebrand to Hero Esports, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks.
According to Ying, this change will better align VSPO with its existing domestic name and, in doing so, support a global growth strategy that is underpinned by cohesion and brand unity.
Commenting on his new position and the rebrand Ying says that this marks the start of an exciting new chapter for VSPO.
“We will soon be Hero Esports. The launch of the ACL has the potential to be a further catalyst for not only the growth of our company, but also the broader esports industry. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Danny and the team, as well as on the ACL’s development, engaging with international organizations to support the continued development of the esports industry and all those involved in it,” says Ying.
Notes from the Editor: Founded in 2016, VSPO claims that it is the biggest esports company in Asia, producing more than 7,000 matches every year and an online fan base of over 800 million. With a global presence encompassing 14 office locations and eight esports arenas, VSPO offers a comprehensive suite of esports services and products.