Deke Waters
About Deke Waters
Deke Waters serves as the Vice President of Operations at Riot Games, a position he has held since 2023. He has extensive experience in the gaming industry, having previously worked in various roles at companies such as Epic Games, MTV, Microsoft, and id Software.
Current Role at Riot Games
Deke Waters currently serves as the Vice President of Operations at Riot Games, a position he has held since 2023. He is based in Seattle, Washington, United States. In this role, he oversees the operational strategies and initiatives that support the company's objectives in the gaming industry.
Previous Experience at Riot Games
Deke Waters has an extensive history with Riot Games, having worked in various capacities over several years. He served as the Senior Director of Operations from 2021 to 2023 and as the Director of Production and Operations from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, he held the role of Senior Development Manager from 2016 to 2019. His experience at Riot Games spans across critical operational and production functions.
Experience at Other Gaming Companies
Before his tenure at Riot Games, Deke Waters worked at several notable gaming companies. He was a Senior Producer at Epic Games from 2014 to 2016. His career also includes positions at id Software as a Senior Producer and at Day 1 Studios as a Producer. These roles contributed to his expertise in game production and operations.
Educational Background
Deke Waters studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Relations. His education spanned from 1994 to 1998, providing him with foundational knowledge that supports his career in operations and management within the gaming industry.
Early Career in Media and Gaming
Deke Waters began his career in the media and gaming sectors, working as a Video Game Site Producer at MTV from 2005 to 2007. He also held a Producer position at Red Storm Entertainment from 1998 to 2005. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his subsequent roles in game production and operations.