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Former CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge named chairman of esports company

Apr 3, 2019 | 8:08 AM

TORONTO — Former CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge has been named chairman of Tiidal Gaming, a Canadian esports outfit.

Tiidal is the parent company of Lazarus Esports, which was founded as SetToDestroyX — Canada’s first esports group dating back to 2010.

Tiidal Gaming says Orridge will play a “pivotal role in stewarding Tiidal Gaming by bringing the best practices of traditional sports and entertainment into the gaming and esports space while providing strategic and analytical guidance to the company.”

“I look forward to bringing my playbook to help Tiidal Gaming become a global leader in this burgeoning industry,” Orridge said in a statement. 

Orridge’s resume also includes stints with the CBC, Canadian Tire, Mattel, Right to Play, Reebok, USA Basketball and Warner Brothers.

“As the esports industry continues to develop, being able to attract and retain top talent remains crucial to our success both in competitive gaming as well as at the corporate level,” Charlie Watson, CEO of Tiidal Gaming, said in a statement.

“Jeffrey Orridge is one of Canada’s most accomplished sports executives and we could not be more pleased and excited to have him join the Tiidal team. Jeff’s history speaks for itself. He has added immense value to each organization that he has been a part of, while making an indelible mark in the world of sports, entertainment, and media.”

 

The Canadian Press