Rob Johnson

Rob Johnson is Chief Executive Officer of CSL Esports – operators of North America’s largest collegiate esports league, NACE Starleague,  offering an infrastructure solution with a competitive platform, broadcast production and mechanisms to amplify the inherent educational benefits of competitive sports.   With over a million dollars in scholarship funds awarded, CSL Esports provides life-changing opportunities in education through esports. Now working directly with High Schools, Universities, and Alumni associations, the company provides turnkey solutions for schools and students to compete and learn valuable skills in the rapidly expanding esports industry. 

Rob previously served as Chief Operating Officer for Nerd Street Gamers (NSG), an esports infrastructure company based in Philadelphia, PA (2018-2020). NSG’s esports portfolio currently includes competitive gaming venues (Localhost), national esports events (Nerd Street Events), and content production (NSGTV). Under Rob’s operational direction, the company closed a Series A funding round lead by national retailer, Five Below, was named Technically Philly’s 2019 “startup of the year”, was recognized for “top 10 most innovative companies in gaming” by Fast Company, and he created the Mid-Atlantic Emmy winning TV series, “FTW Philly,” airing on NBC Regional Sports Networks nationwide.

Rob was a Vice President with Jackbox Games, the creator of hit party video games “You Don’t Know Jack” & “The Jackbox Party Pack” (2016-2018). Rob launched a first-of-its-kind mass audience gaming platform for the sports & entertainment industry, bringing Jackbox Games to National Football League, NCAA, and high-profile esports events. He also oversaw both consumer and business marketing strategy and launched the company’s portfolio of games nationally on cable-box based platforms.

Before working in the video game industry, Rob was Vice President of Digital Media & Partnership Marketing for the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers. In 2014, his team earned a Webby Award Honoree for excellence in sports social media. That same year, Rob was also named to Philadelphia Business Journal’s “40 Under 40”.

Between 2011 and 2013, Rob was Vice President of Marketing for Xfinity Live! Philadelphia, where he oversaw the opening and ongoing strategy for one of the highest-grossing dining & entertainment districts in North America. Rob had previously held marketing positions with the Philadelphia Flyers from 2008 to 2011, during which he created the nationally recognized “Relentless Pursuit of the Cup” marketing campaign leading up to the team’s 2010 Stanley Cup Final run.

Rob also founded GreenLit Consulting, which provides hands-on business and personal brand building and led to co-authoring Millennial Reboot: Our Generation’s Playbook for Professional Growth, published in December 2016. Millennial Reboot launched as a #1 Amazon Best Seller in its category.

 A graduate of Marietta College and a national champion in the sport of rowing, he began his professional career as the Marketing Coordinator for the National Football League’s Jacksonville Jaguars. While in Jacksonville, he earned his MBA from the Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University.

A native of Margate City, New Jersey, Rob, and his wife, Kate, currently reside in Center City, Philadelphia.