Imagine taking the helm of a globally iconic company founded by your dad! Maya Rogers, CEO of Tetris, shares her incredible journey navigating family legacy, global business, and Hawaiian roots. How does one balance such a monumental inheritance with forging their own path in the ever-evolving gaming world?
Maya Rogers, the dynamic Tetris CEO, has not only stepped into the colossal shoes of her father, Henk Rogers, but has also charted her own course, steering the iconic gaming industry giant into a new era of relevance and connection. Her journey is a testament to the power of family business and the evolution of a global phenomenon.
Despite being over four decades old, Tetris remains a cultural touchstone, transcending generations and geographical boundaries. Rogers emphasizes that the game’s enduring appeal lies in its universal simplicity yet challenging mastery, fostering a unique sense of community that brings people together worldwide, a philosophy central to her global leadership.
Born and raised as a third-culture kid, Maya’s diverse upbringing in Japan and the US, coupled with her family’s dream of an American education in Hawaii, profoundly influenced her worldview. This multicultural background has proven invaluable in her role as CEO, enabling her to connect with partners and players across varied cultural landscapes.
The path to leading Tetris was not linear for Rogers. Witnessing her father’s near-fatal heart attack 15 years ago spurred a profound realization, prompting her to return to Hawaii and join the family business, eager to learn from his vast experience before it was too late, marking a pivotal moment in her career transition.
Working alongside her father, the visionary who secured the rights to Tetris from the Soviet government and co-founded The Tetris Company with Alexey Pajitnov, Maya developed a unique professional rapport. Their working relationship transcended familial ties, allowing her to eventually take the reins and continue the company’s legacy of innovation in the gaming industry.
Her deep connection to Hawaii is more than just a place of residence; it embodies the concept of kamaʻāina, a profound sense of belonging and responsibility to the land. Despite the logistical challenges of operating a global company from the islands, Rogers’ commitment reflects her belief in nurturing local talent and contributing to her home state.
Driven by a passion for Hawaiian entrepreneurship, Rogers co-founded Blue Startups in 2012, a startup incubator designed to empower local innovators. This initiative, a partnership between Tetris, the state, and other investors, aims to cultivate opportunities and shape the future for the next generation of Hawaiian business leaders.
Maya’s own children witness her global leadership firsthand, with her daughter even aspiring to be a professional Tetris player. Inspired by her parents’ legacy, Rogers strives to expose her children to diverse experiences, ensuring they find their true calling while continuing to build upon the family business foundation she has so carefully nurtured.
