The Gaming, Entertainment, Media, and Sports (GEMS) sectors are evolving at a breakneck pace. From digital transformation to the adoption of AI, these industries demand leaders who can innovate, adapt, and inspire.
In this article, veteran executive recruiters Matt Skiba and Greg Sherman, Co-Heads of Riviera Partners’ GEMS Practice, share their unique insights on industry trends, leadership qualities, and why companies need fresh thinking to thrive in this dynamic space.
Top GEMS Industry Trends and Leadership Needs
Q: What key trends are shaping the GEMS industries, and how are they impacting leadership?
Matt Skiba: The GEMS industries revolve around three pillars: content, distribution, and technology. While content remains the foundation—from blockbuster films to video games—user-generated content (UGC) and AI-generated content (AIGC) are reshaping the landscape. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch are enabling creators to produce independent content that’s often more agile and niche-focused than traditional media. These creators are moving faster and reaching audiences in ways legacy companies struggle to match.
Greg Sherman: On the distribution side, acquisitions like Amazon’s purchase of MGM and Warner Bros.’ consolidations are changing how content reaches consumers. Meanwhile, technologies such as AI, VR, and AR are allowing companies to personalize experiences and engage audiences in new ways. Leaders must strategically integrate these tools while staying competitive in an increasingly decentralized and fast-moving content ecosystem.
For leaders, this shift requires a mindset that embraces innovation and speed. They must adopt AI to enhance operational efficiency and personalization while fostering creative collaboration to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving environment. Proactive, adaptive leadership is critical to staying ahead of these changes.
Gaming Leadership: The Skills and Roles Driving Growth
Q: How are gaming companies adapting to trends like mobile gaming and eSports, and what roles are critical as the industry evolves?
Matt: Gaming is increasingly shaped by UGC and AIGC, giving players more autonomy to create their own experiences. Platforms like Roblox and Fortnite enable users to build worlds, reducing reliance on traditional IP. Roles like Netflix’s VP of AI Games reflect the industry’s need for leaders who can integrate AI into gaming strategies. Leaders with expertise in community-building, player engagement, and emerging technologies like VR and AI are critical to delivering the immersive, personalized experiences today’s players demand.
Greg: UGC and AIGC are transforming gaming into a decentralized ecosystem where players create and share content, often outpacing traditional developers. This shift challenges companies to adapt quickly. Leaders need the adaptability to balance faster development cycles, like Ubisoft’s annual Assassin’s Creed releases, with maintaining quality and innovation. Success hinges on leveraging AI tools, supporting community-driven content, and embracing the autonomy players now expect.
Digital Transformation in Media and Entertainment
Q: With digital transformation dominating media and entertainment, how are leadership roles evolving?
Matt: Leadership in these sectors now requires hybrid skills. Companies need executives who combine creative expertise with technical and operational acumen. Streaming platforms, for example, need leaders who can localize content, personalize experiences, and manage global distribution effectively.
Greg: It’s all about digital fluency and a customer-first mindset. Leaders must use data to understand audience behavior and craft personalized experiences. At the same time, they need to build trust, particularly as data privacy concerns grow. Balancing innovation with transparency is critical for success.
Sports Leadership: Enhancing Fan Experiences Through Technology
Q: How is the sports industry using technology to enhance in-person fan experiences, and what leadership roles are emerging as a result?
Matt: Technology is redefining live sports, transforming events into immersive, interactive experiences. Think of venues like Cosm’s LED dome and the Sphere in Las Vegas and how 360-degree visuals and real-time data overlays are creating a deeper connection between fans and the action. This shift is driving the need for leaders who can integrate these solutions into venue strategies. Which is why we’re seeing demand for Chief Experience Officers (CXOs) or Heads of Digital Integration because these roles are critical for ensuring companies deliver on both technical and emotional fronts.
Greg: It’s not just the technology – it’s how it meets evolving fan expectations. Deloitte recently commented that over half of sports fans at live events want the same level of access to real-time stats and analysis they get at home. Meeting this demand requires leaders who can combine technological fluency with audience insight. We’re seeing roles emerge like VP of Venue Analytics, focused on integrating real-time data and fan engagement metrics. These leaders don’t just implement technology—they analyze its impact and refine the experience continuously.
Q: How are innovations like immersive sports viewing and real-time data analytics influencing leadership needs in sports?
Matt: With platforms integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), fans are no longer passive viewers—they’re part of the game. Imagine a basketball fan who can switch perspectives mid-play or a soccer enthusiast watching from the goalkeeper’s vantage point. These innovations demand leaders who understand the technical aspects of immersive media but also how to curate these experiences to deepen fan loyalty. Apps and products that are enhancing fandom by allowing fans to bet, play, or socially interact in real-time, and in some cases non-monetarily, is another degree to enhancing the sports viewing and fan experience.
New leadership roles, including Heads of Immersive Media, are tasked with ensuring these technologies enhance, rather than complicate, the fan experience. It’s a fine line between engagement and overload, and the right leadership is crucial.
Greg: These advancements are also creating opportunities for data-driven decision-making. Immersive viewing platforms generate an incredible amount of user data—from how long fans engage with certain perspectives to their reactions during key moments. The challenge is connecting this data to actionable strategies. It’s not just about technology; it’s about how it supports a fan-first approach. The best leaders are the ones who can translate raw data into meaningful improvements for both the fans and the bottom line.
Diversity in GEMS Leadership: Progress and Challenges
Q: What progress are GEMS companies making in diversity and inclusion (D&I)?
Matt: Progress is mixed. While 2020 saw a surge in DEI initiatives, some companies have pulled back. However, diversity is crucial for industries serving global audiences since hiring for diversity also gives companies perspective about demographics and regions around the world that companies weren’t considering when building products years ago. Practical steps like the “rule of three,” which helps ensure that a member of the global majority is represented, are helping drive incremental change.
Greg: Diversity isn’t just about representation; it’s about fresh perspectives. Products in GEMS are for a global audience, so leadership teams should reflect that. At Riviera, we prioritize finding leaders who challenge conventional thinking and bring unique ideas to the table.
Working with Executive Recruiters for GEMS Hiring
Q: Why is it critical for GEMS companies to work with a specialized executive recruiter?
Matt: Executive recruiters bring networks, tools, and expertise that internal teams often lack, especially in dynamic industries like GEMS. They provide access to top-tier talent and help companies think strategically about their leadership needs, ensuring they align with long-term goals. At Riviera, we combine two decades of experience with AI-driven tools to deliver precise, high-quality results. Our connections across GEMS and adjacent industries like tech and e-commerce allow us to match clients with leaders who can drive innovation and growth.
Greg: Recruiters offer market knowledge and a strategic approach that streamlines the hiring process and improves outcomes. By understanding industry trends and accessing a broad talent pool, they help companies find leaders who align with their future direction.
Riviera excels by blending advanced technology with industry expertise. Our experience in GEMS, paired with insights from other sectors, ensures we connect clients with leaders who can meet today’s demands and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges
Final Thoughts
The GEMS industries are evolving rapidly, demanding leaders who can innovate and adapt. As Greg and Matt emphasized, successful companies must embrace fresh thinking and diverse perspectives to stay ahead.
Connect with Matt Skiba and Greg Sherman on LinkedIn.
Ready to transform your GEMS leadership? Contact Riviera Partners today to learn how their GEMS Practice can help find the leaders who will drive your company’s success.
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