As an independent consultant & advisor, Rich helps his clients navigate the evolving videogame landscape through strategic partnerships and innovation. Rich built the Call of Duty brand from concept to the world's top-selling videogame franchise, later founding a digital lifestyle community that reached 1.5 million subscribers.

His global client roster includes long-term partners Tencent (8 years), Supercell (6 years), and Meta (3 years). He brokers deals for top brands to reach Gen Z and Alpha audiences via Roblox, and guided MrBeast's expansion into games.

What do you appreciate about being a collaborator at Newcastle?

I've had fun and learned plenty during my time with Newcastle folks and portfolio companies. They've been receptive to insights I bring from my experience in gamification, reaching young audiences, and building community through content creators. I pick up best practices that help me better serve my clients. But mostly, I'm just having a good time hearing fresh, challenging takes outside of my industry bubble.

What's the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

Anything Tim Robinson is in, starting with I Think You Should Leave on Netflix.

What's your most specific pet peeve that no one else seems to understand?

I'm still hung up on grammar, and I need to let it go as it's going extinct. It's just that loose grammar often sounds flat and neglected, like a piano that's off key, depriving us of the sweetest notes of language. I'm getting desperate, kinda hoping ChatGPT and Gemini help revive our grammar game.