Cryptozoic Entertainment Names Shahriar Fouladi as CEO
Proven Leader and Creative Force Takes the Helm to Drive the Company Forward
Laguna Hills, CA — October 13, 2025 — Cryptozoic Entertainment, a leading creator of tabletop games, trading cards, and collectibles, today announced the appointment of Shahriar Fouladi as Chief Executive Officer. A proven innovator, strategist, and fan at heart, Fouladi is set to lead Cryptozoic into its boldest chapter yet.
Fouladi's Cryptozoic story began in 2014. He jumped in as an editor and writer and quickly made his mark across publishing, crowdfunding campaigns, tabletop games, and trading cards. He didn’t just take on projects—he helped build them up, energized the teams behind them, and brought fan-first thinking to everything he touched. After rising to Director of Communications and later returning in 2021 to head Product Development and Marketing, Fouladi transformed Cryptozoic’s pipeline and positioned the company for major growth.
Before Cryptozoic, Fouladi earned a Ph.D. in Visual Studies from the University of California and built a career as a published author and lecturer on superheroes, film, and television. That academic depth combined with his pop culture passion has fueled his unique approach: smart strategy with fan-driven creativity at the core.
“When I arrived at Cryptozoic 11 years ago, I was looking for a new career path, and John Nee put his trust in me from day one,” said Fouladi. “I’ll always be grateful to John, Cory Jones, John Sepenuk, and my late friend Matt Hoffman for their mentorship. They shaped how I see this company. As CEO, my mission is simple: keep making the kinds of games, trading cards, and collectibles we’re all excited about. I’m a pop culture fan through and through, and that energy will always define Cryptozoic.”
“Shahriar’s journey is remarkable,” said outgoing CEO and co-founder John Nee, who will continue as CEO of Pan-Universal Galactic Worldwide and Chief Business Officer at CCG Lab. “He learned every corner of the business, treated people with respect, and never lost sight of the fans. He’s earned this role, and I have total confidence in his vision for the future.”
“Through every industry and company challenge, Shahriar has been the calm in the storm,” said Cory Jones, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Cryptozoic. “He makes smart calls, weighs the facts, and never stops pushing to make our products the best for fans. That obsession sets him apart—and it’s why we believe he’ll take Cryptozoic to the next level.”