Hasbro didn’t have to venture far into the dungeon to find its next Wizards of the Coast leader.
Dan Ayoub will become President of Wizards of the Coast & Hasbro Digital Games on Nov. 2, taking charge of Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Duel Masters, and digital titles including Exodus and Warlock.
After considering dozens of internal and external candidates, Hasbro ultimately drew from its own deck. Ayoub is the first person promoted from within for this critical role.
He joined Wizards in 2022 to lead its digital studios, later served as Senior Vice President of Digital Games, and most recently ran Dungeons & Dragons. That puts an executive with experience on both the tabletop and digital sides of the business at the top of the organization.
“Dan has the passion and leadership caliber to take Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro Digital Games into its next chapter,” said Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks. “He understands what our games mean to the people who play them and what it takes to build great teams and experiences. His promotion reflects one of my top priorities: developing our people. I couldn’t think of a better match to lead these businesses, and I’m excited for the future with him at the helm.”
Ayoub has spent 25 years making video games, including 11 years at Microsoft. His résumé includes time as an Executive Producer and Studio Head at 343 Industries, home of Halo, followed by a stint as Vice President and General Manager at Certain Affinity.
He won’t need a primer on the fandom, either. Ayoub has played Dungeons & Dragons with the same group of friends since he was 10 and started playing Magic: The Gathering the year it launched.
“I’m honored to lead Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro Digital Games, and grateful to Chris and the leadership team for this opportunity,” Ayoub said. “Magic and D&D have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and the teams behind them are among the best in the world. We’ll put fans first, respect the artists and creators who make these worlds come alive, and set an ambitious course for growth across tabletop and digital. I can’t wait to get started.”
