John McRae

MD – VADR Media

Founder – LPL

VP – New Zealand Esports Federation

John McRae is a 20-year veteran of the events and broadcasting industry and has developed programming for free-to-air, cable, pay-per-view, OTT, and online platforms. In 2018, he was named by New Zealand Marketing Magazine as the Media Visionary of the Year. From promoting large scale sports to music events, he has always sought to embrace disruption, technology, and capitalise on niche interests. In 2016, VADR Media launched LPL and has grown it into Australia and New Zealand’s largest independent esports provider. LPL is the only provider in the region with a full-time direct-to-TV esports studio and tournament platform. During this time he has worked with sports brands including the All Blacks, New Zealand Football, and the NRL to develop esports engagement strategies. John has also established high school esports programmes and delivered more than 80 linear and 200 online amateur and pro league broadcasts. He is a strong advocate for the esports industry and serves as Vice President of the New Zealand Esports Federation.