The Global Esports Federation (GEF) has appointed Aurelia Ruetsch to the role of secretary general, following an approval by the GEF executive committee. Ruetsch’s appointment is a milestone for the federation, as she represents the first woman to serve in the role. Ruetsch will report to the GEF President and operating under the oversight of the GEF Board, and support “GEF’s global membership and advancing the Federation’s vision of a truly #worldconnected esports ecosystem,” according to the announcement.
Ruetsch, who joined the GEF board as a founding board member in 2019, served as the deputy CEO & director of operations for WorldSkills Lyon 2024, a skills competition that test the knowledge and know-how of competitors in construction and building technology, creative arts and fashion, information and communication technology, and more. She is also currently the COO of World Technology Group
Her other experience in handling global sporting and competitive events includes serving as head of protocol planning for the Expo 2020 Dubai, protocol – special events at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, and tournament guest programme and protocol client manager for the Rugby World Cup England 2015, among others.
“I am deeply grateful to our President and the Board for their trust and confidence,” Aurelia Ruetsch said. “Esports is one of the most powerful cultural and generational connectors of our time, and to serve as Secretary General of the Global Esports Federation is both an honor and a responsibility. Together, we will continue to build an institution defined by integrity, inclusion, and a clear commitment to the future of our global community.”
The Global Esports Federation had a challenging end in 2025; in October The Esports Advocate reported that Global Esports Federation (GEF) events in Peru for 2025 were on hold and would not happen, according to people involved in the process. A representative of the Peruvian Esports Federation or Asociación Deportiva Peruana de Esports (ADPES) told TEA at that time that government action was pending.
“It is suspended due to factors external to the federation,” the representative told TEA at the time. “The government, with so many changes, has not yet implemented its corresponding part.” The representative did not specify which governmental office or decree is involved, and did not provide a new timeline. The Global Esports Games, GEF’s annual championship event, was set to take place in November in Lima, Peru.