Lochlin Partners Assists the Entertainment Software Association with General Counsel Search
May 23, 2025 – Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stan McCoy as senior vice president and general counsel of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). “In an industry that depends on the protection of intellectual property to fuel future creativity and innovation, Stan’s extensive experience in government and industry is an immense asset to ESA,” said Stanley Pierre-Louis, president and CEO. “Stan will undoubtedly bolster our ability to continue to strengthen the power of the U.S. video game industry here and abroad, and we look forward to his leadership in driving key functions of the ESA.”
Mr. McCoy brings to the ESA more than 25 years of experience overseeing legal and policy issues related to intellectual property, innovation and international trade. He joins the organization following a decade as a senior executive of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), where he served as president and managing director of the MPA EMEA region, while also holding board-level positions with the International Federation of Film Producers’ Organizations and the International Video Federation. Mr. McCoy has extensive government experience, having served as the assistant U.S. trade representative for intellectual property and innovation from 2008 to 2014, and previously served in other policy and legal roles in the executive office of the president at the office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). He began his legal career at Covington & Burling.
Reporting to Mr. Pierre-Louis and as the leader of ESA’s legal, regulatory and policy and intellectual property protection and security teams, Mr. McCoy will drive the association’s legal, regulatory, policy, compliance, enforcement, litigation and contractual work.
“For over three decades, the ESA has defended the video game industry and created a favorable regulatory environment where games could flourish into a $59.3 billion industry in the U.S. alone,” said Mr. McCoy. “I look forward to working with the ESA team, our member companies, policymakers and partners around the world in our ongoing work to protect the innovative marketplace for video games and ensure that everyone can experience the power of play.”
Founded in 1994, the Entertainment Software Association has served as the voice and advocate for the U.S. video game industry for more than 30 years. Its members are the innovators, creators, publishers and business leaders that are reimagining entertainment and transforming how we interact, learn, connect and play.
Related: Lochlin Partners Assists SOME with CEO Search
Lochlin Partners conducts searches for board and executive-level positions within government and corporate affairs, government contracting, technology and services, higher education, the public sector, financial services, and healthcare. The firm is led by managing partners Liza Wright, and Pat Friel. Each of the managing partners has been in the search business for 20 or more years and has been a partner in one of the four large international firms—and in most cases has run a major office or practice at those firms.
Western States Petroleum Association Search
Lochlin Partners recently helped to place Denise Davis as vice president of strategy and communications of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) in Sacramento, CA. She succeeds Kevin Slagle, who now serves as senior vice president at the American Petroleum Institute (API). “We are thrilled to welcome Denise to WSPA at such a pivotal time for energy policy and innovation,” said Catherine Reheis-Boyd, president and CEO of WSPA. “Her decades of leadership and proven ability to navigate complex challenges will strengthen our efforts to advocate for affordable, reliable energy while advancing practical solutions for a lower-carbon future. Denise is the right leader to amplify the voices of our members and the communities they serve.”
Ms. Davis brings more than 30 years of experience in strategic communications and public affairs to WSPA. She most recently served as executive vice president at CalChamber. Her career also includes service as chief deputy communications director for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration and leadership roles within the California Department of Justice, where she worked under three state Attorneys General.
Founded in 1907, the Western States Petroleum Association is the nation’s oldest petroleum trade association, representing companies at the forefront of energy innovation. WSPA’s members lead in petroleum exploration, production, refining, and transportation, as well as renewable energy and carbon management technologies.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
