Development
Xsolla appoints Jon Middleton as Executive Vice President of Strategic Business
July 24, 2026•3 min
As video game developers expand beyond traditional distribution models and new opportunities emerge across platforms, entertainment, and global markets, strategic partnerships have become a clear driver of growth. To help lead its next phase of expansion, Xsolla has appointed Jon Middleton as Executive Vice President of Strategic Business.
With decades of leadership experience spanning video games, technology, sports, and entertainment, Middleton joins Xsolla to accelerate strategic growth, strengthen global partnerships, and identify new business opportunities across the video game ecosystem.
“I’ve spent my career building businesses through innovation, strategic partnerships, and creating opportunities across the game industry,” said Jon Middleton, Executive Vice President of Strategic Business at Xsolla. “Xsolla continues to build all the things for the future of the video game industry by empowering game developers and publishers around the world. I look forward to working with our partners to uncover new growth opportunities, strengthen relationships across the industry, and deliver all the things to help game creators build a successful business”
As the video game industry continues to evolve, strong strategic relationships are becoming just as important as great technology. Middleton will leverage his previous successes to help support Xsolla’s mission of empowering developers to reach more players and build sustainable businesses around the world.
Welcome to the team, Jon.
Creating new opportunities across video games
Middleton has spent his career creating companies and bringing innovative ideas to market. Before joining Xsolla, he founded and led Nifty Games, where he served as CEO and oversaw the development and publishing of the officially licensed NFL Clash and NBA Clash mobile games. His experience combining premium sports licenses with mobile-first experiences gives him a unique perspective on building successful entertainment partnerships. Before Nifty Games, Middleton held senior leadership positions at Mad Catz and helped build several pioneering video game technology companies. Among them was Massive Incorporated, the groundbreaking in-game advertising platform that was later acquired by Microsoft. Throughout his career, he’s been consistently focused on turning emerging technologies into scalable businesses. Innovation has been a defining theme throughout Middleton’s career. He’s built companies that introduced industry-first solutions across gaming merchandise, comic books, and in-game music, creating new ways for players, brands, and developers to connect. His experience extends beyond product innovation. Middleton has spent decades developing strategic relationships with leading game publishers, developers, platform holders, sports leagues, entertainment brands, technology companies, and investors, helping businesses expand into new markets and unlock new revenue opportunities.Supporting Xsolla’s new growth channels
At Xsolla, Middleton will focus on advancing the company’s long-term strategic initiatives, including global partnerships, market expansion, and new business development. His appointment reinforces Xsolla’s continued investment in helping developers and publishers grow their businesses through commerce, partnerships, and innovative go-to-market strategies.
“I’ve spent my career building businesses through innovation, strategic partnerships, and creating opportunities across the game industry,” said Jon Middleton, Executive Vice President of Strategic Business at Xsolla. “Xsolla continues to build all the things for the future of the video game industry by empowering game developers and publishers around the world. I look forward to working with our partners to uncover new growth opportunities, strengthen relationships across the industry, and deliver all the things to help game creators build a successful business”
As the video game industry continues to evolve, strong strategic relationships are becoming just as important as great technology. Middleton will leverage his previous successes to help support Xsolla’s mission of empowering developers to reach more players and build sustainable businesses around the world.
Welcome to the team, Jon.Featured articles
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