At the same time, the association would like to thank Jarle Heitmann for his efforts as secretary general during an important period of growth for Norwegian esports.
Jarle Heitmann has stepped down as secretary general of the Norwegian Esports Federation (NESF) after holding the position since August 1, 2024. Effective May 1, André Baumann will take over as the new secretary general and CEO of NESF.
Baumann is already the executive director of the Grassroots Esports Alliance, so it is a natural progression for the top administrative leadership to now be consolidated. Both the Norwegian Esports Federation and the Grassroots Esports Alliance have decided to merge their organizations, and the consolidation of administrative leadership is an important step in this process.
André Baumann has a strong background in Norwegian esports. He was previously a Counter-Strike esports player, having played for teams such as Catch Gamer and Team Norway, and has been a key figure in the development of Norwegian grassroots esports for several years. He also has a background in sports, including work in nutrition and performance, research in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the National Center for Game Research, and experience from Olympiatoppen, Lillestrøm Sportsklubb, and development work at the intersection of esports, health, physical activity, and organizational development.
As executive director of the Bredde E-sport Alliance, Baumann has been a strong advocate for safe, inclusive, and structured esports for children and young people. He has also led efforts in skills development, coach training, and the creation of a solid framework for club activities in Norwegian esports.
The Norwegian Esports Federation would also like to thank Jarle Heitmann for his efforts as secretary general. Heitmann took on the role during a period in which the federation has been working on organizational development, membership structure, partnerships, international efforts, visibility, and the potential unification of Norwegian esports.
–“It’s a little bittersweet to step down, because I’ve really enjoyed this role and working with the people in Norwegian esports. I came in with a lot of organizational and leadership experience, but I’ve also learned an incredible amount. Not least, I’ve come to genuinely love esports, the community, and the passion found within the clubs. At the same time, this was a natural progression. When the merger was approved by the NESF, I saw that it was the right time to step down and help ensure a smooth transition moving forward,”says Jarle Heitmann.
Ole Jørstad, president of the Norwegian Esports Federation, thanks Heitmann for his hard work.
–“Jarle has contributed structure, organizational insight, and a tremendous work ethic during a crucial phase for the Norwegian Esports Federation. He has helped elevate the federation, strengthen our efforts, and prepare us for the road ahead. On behalf of NESF, I would like to thank Jarle for his efforts and wish him the best of luck in the future,”says Jørstad.
At the same time, the president is looking forward to welcoming André Baumann as the new administrative director.
–“We are very pleased that André Baumann is now taking on the role of Secretary General and Executive Director of the Norwegian Esports Federation. André knows Norwegian esports very well, has extensive experience in grassroots work, and brings both professional expertise and great dedication to the position. As the organizations are now set to merge, it is important to have a leader who understands both communities and who can help build a single, stronger organization,” says Jørstad.
For André Baumann, the main task moving forward will be to help foster a strong sense of unity among the organizations, build on the work that has already been done, and strengthen Norwegian esports at the local, national, and international levels.
–“I’m looking forward to taking on the role of Secretary General and Executive Director of the Norwegian Esports Federation. The merger between NESF and the Grassroots Esports Alliance is firmly supported by both organizations and gives us a unique opportunity to bring together expertise, activities, and enthusiasm in Norwegian esports. The goal is to build a stronger, more distinct, and more inclusive organization for clubs, players, volunteers, and the entire esports community,”says André Baumann.
Baumann emphasizes that Norwegian esports is on the verge of great opportunities.
–“Norwegian esports has enormous potential. We have talented clubs, dedicated volunteers, strong professional communities, and many children and young people who find a sense of accomplishment, community, and belonging through gaming and esports. Now it’s about joining forces, building solid structures, and creating an organization that can provide even better support for these activities where they take place—out in the clubs,”says Baumann.
This transition marks not only a change in leadership, but also the start of a new phase for organized esports in Norway. The merger between the Norwegian Esports Federation and the Grassroots Esports Alliance will lay the foundation for a more unified, clear, and effective organization.
For NESF, this is about building on the best of both organizations: the federation’s national and international role, and the Grassroots Esports Alliance’s strong roots in club communities, grassroots activities, and inclusive gathering places. –“This is a transition with nothing but winners. We thank Jarle for his important contributions during a challenging and exciting phase, and we warmly welcome André as our new Secretary General and Executive Director. Now we’re looking ahead—together,”says President Ole Jørstad.