Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Hobbies and Interests
Affiliations
References
Timeline
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Duane Mutu

Duane Mutu

International

Summary

Seasoned entrepreneur and visionary leader with extensive expertise in business development and team building within the gaming, broadcasting, sports and esports sectors. As the Founder of Let's Play Live Media (LPL) and a founding member of the New Zealand Esports Federation (NZESF), has significantly influenced the esports landscape in Oceania. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with global brands, publishers, and sports organizations to drive gaming and esports growth. Committed to growth and sustainable outcomes.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Founder

Let's Play Live Media Ltd.
, International
07.2016 - 07.2024
  • Company Overview: Established LPL as a premier gaming and esports media company globally.
  • Website: https://gg.letsplay.live/home.
  • Produced the televised esports and gaming events in 50 countries.
  • Delivery of brand and gaming activations with leading partners across the globe.
  • Pioneered the High School League (HSL), Oceania’s largest high school esports league.
  • Opened one of the world's first 4K-ready esports broadcasting studios in Sky Tower (2018).
  • Managed partnerships with global clients, publishers, and sports entities, including Riot Games, EA, the NBA, and the All Blacks.
  • Led the acquisition and integration of CyberGamer (a leading online platform), rebranded as LPL Play.
  • Business acquired by Dynasty Group, Singapore, (2024).
  • Featured in NBR: Kiwi esports caster Let's Play Live, acquired by Dynasty.

Founder and Board Member (Vice President)

New Zealand Esports Federation (NZESF)
, New Zealand
05.2016 - Current
  • Company Overview: Advocated for esports to be recognized as an official sport by the New Zealand Government
  • Officially recognized in 2020, marking a historical milestone globally
  • Promoted esports as a form of competitive entertainment
  • Featured in numerous media outlets: The New Zealand Herald, Breakfast on One, and Newstalk ZB
  • Represented New Zealand at global esports forums and conferences
  • Advocated for esports to be recognized as an official sport by the New Zealand Government
  • Officially recognized in 2020, marking a historical milestone globally

Founder and Director

Garage TV
03.2015 - 12.2017
  • Company Overview: Founder of a new television channel, pioneering youth content
  • Launched New Zealand’s only 24/7 Action and Adventure sports channel on Sky TV
  • Channel acquired by Sky TV in 2017
  • Founder of a new television channel, pioneering youth content

Business Manager

Five Eight Distribution Ltd.
06.2011 - 01.2015
  • Company Overview: Managed Disney and Warner Brothers Interactive gaming portfolios with $8M+ annual sales targets
  • Website: http://www.fiveight.co.nz
  • Oversaw promotional strategies, inventory control, and customer negotiations for major NZ retailers
  • Achievements: Launched Disney Infinity in New Zealand, achieving $1M sales in the first three months
  • Spearheaded innovative campaigns for Warner Brothers, including LEGO and Batman promotional offers
  • Managed Disney and Warner Brothers Interactive gaming portfolios with $8M+ annual sales targets
  • Website: http://www.fiveight.co.nz

Gaming Host

Juice TV
01.2011 - 01.2014
  • Company Overview: Hosted and produced engaging content on gaming for a local TV audience
  • Hosted and produced engaging content on gaming for a local TV audience

Marketing Manager - Interactive Division

Monaco Corporation Ltd.
06.2009 - 06.2012
  • Company Overview: Managed marketing and PR for brands like Disney, SEGA, Ubisoft, and Warner Brothers
  • Website: http://www.monacocorp.co.nz
  • Supervised a $725K budget, securing $1.6M worth of media exposure (2010)
  • Created two television shows for Juice TV and Maori TV
  • Played a key role in Disney’s Toy Story 3 marketing initiatives in New Zealand
  • Managed marketing and PR for brands like Disney, SEGA, Ubisoft, and Warner Brothers
  • Website: http://www.monacocorp.co.nz

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Law and Arts

The University of Auckland
01.2001

School Certificate, University Entrance and Bursary -

Long Bay College
01.1997

Skills

  • Business development
  • Team building
  • Organizational management
  • Campaign design
  • Brand management
  • Public relations
  • Tournament operations
  • Broadcasting
  • Publisher relations
  • Media production
  • Content strategy
  • Sales optimization
  • Consulting
  • Marketing
  • Revenue development
  • Customer acquisition
  • Team leadership
  • Growth mindset
  • Corporate governance
  • Revenue generation
  • Human resources
  • Start-up operations
  • Investor relations
  • Ethics and integrity
  • Market Knowledge
  • Visionary leadership
  • Operations management
  • Entrepreneurial and innovative
  • Strategic vision
  • Board collaboration
  • Business planning
  • Board reporting
  • Innovation management
  • Customer focus
  • Financial management
  • Legal compliance
  • Contract negotiation
  • Entrepreneurial leadership
  • Organizational structuring
  • Industry expertise
  • Cash flow management
  • Staff management
  • Talent acquisition
  • Strategic thinking
  • Negotiation
  • Goal setting
  • Partnership building

Hobbies and Interests

  • Sports
  • Surfing
  • Coaching
  • Exploring the intersection between sports and esports
  • Understanding the future of media and sport consumption.

Affiliations

  • NZH Top 20 Most Influential in Gaming Industry (#10) - https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/power-players-the-20-most-influential-people-in-the-nz-video-gaming-industry/EI5SOBPVHJT6VXEZTCFN45BQFQ/
  • Secretary General of Oceanic Esport Federation (Global Esport Federation)
  • Heart Foundation Ambassador
  • Former Professional Sportsman
  • Media and TV personality
  • Coach and Mentor

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Founder

Let's Play Live Media Ltd.
07.2016 - 07.2024

Founder and Board Member (Vice President)

New Zealand Esports Federation (NZESF)
05.2016 - Current

Founder and Director

Garage TV
03.2015 - 12.2017

Business Manager

Five Eight Distribution Ltd.
06.2011 - 01.2015

Gaming Host

Juice TV
01.2011 - 01.2014

Marketing Manager - Interactive Division

Monaco Corporation Ltd.
06.2009 - 06.2012

Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Law and Arts

The University of Auckland

School Certificate, University Entrance and Bursary -

Long Bay College

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Duane Mutu