Nike Furlong
About Nike Furlong
Nike Furlong serves as the Director of EMEA People at Riot Games, bringing extensive experience in human resources and organizational development from previous roles at companies such as Brandtone and British Telecom.
Work at Riot Games
Nike Furlong serves as the Director EMEA People at Riot Games, a position held since 2018. In this role, Furlong is responsible for overseeing human resources and people management strategies across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions. This position involves collaborating with the leadership team to enhance employee engagement and support organizational growth within the gaming industry.
Previous Experience in Human Resources
Prior to joining Riot Games, Furlong held several key positions in human resources. From 2013 to 2017, Furlong was the Global Head of HR at Brandtone, where significant contributions included developing a talent acquisition plan and establishing the HR function for global expansion. Furlong also worked at Savills as Head of HR (Interim) for nine months in 2017-2018, and at British Telecom as Head of Learning & Organisation Development from 1999 to 2007.
Achievements in Organizational Development
During Furlong's tenure at Brandtone, the company received the 'Great Place to Work' award in both 2016 and 2017, highlighting the successful internal culture developed under Furlong's leadership. Furlong played a crucial role in expanding the company from fewer than 40 to 135 employees within a year, demonstrating effective organizational development strategies.
Education and Certifications
Furlong holds a BA in Psychology from University College Dublin, completed in 1992. Additionally, Furlong has a Diploma in Business Administration and Management & HR from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. Furlong is also ICAgile Certified in Agile, achieved in 2020, and is currently pursuing a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors, focusing on finance, strategy, governance, and leadership.
Career Progression and Skills
Furlong's career includes various roles that emphasize skills in performance management, organization development, and training. Previous positions include Performance Management Program Manager at Ernst and Young and Organization Development roles at Paddy Power and Esat Telecom. Furlong's diverse experience contributes to a well-rounded expertise in human resources and organizational strategy.