In a surprise announcement today, League of Legends global head of esports Naz Aletaha announced she will be stepping down from her role and leaving Riot altogether in the coming months after over a decade with the company’s flagship esports program.

Aletaha broke the news in an article on X/Twitter. After taking a sabbatical beginning in February this year, Aletaha wrote she felt the need to move one. “I’ve decided I’m ready to start a new chapter in my career,” she wrote. “This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right time for me to explore new horizons.” Aletaha went on to explain that she’ll help the LoL Esports team during the transitionary period during the coming months before she leaves Riot fully.

Chris Greeley, who Aletaha explained oversaw the LoL Esports head position during her sabbatical, will continue in the role as Aletaha helps the transition. Greeley has spent the previous two years as head of strategy for LoL Esports.

Tributes were quick to pour in after Aletaha announcement, including from fellow Riot members. “Thank you for being a fantastic partner for me and the entire team,” said Pu Liu, game director for League . “The end of an era,” added Leo Faria, head of VALORANT esports for Riot. “I’ll miss you dear friend.”

With the LoL Esports landscape undergoing some substantial changes and challenges over the past couple of years, it will be interesting to see what a full changing of the guard does at the top for the game’s esports division.