Activision-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is leaving in January 2024 after 33 years in the company. Learn more about this departure and the CEO’s legacies and controversies.
Activision-Blizzard: Huge Changes as Microsoft Completes Acquisition
Bobby Kotick Leaving After 33 Years
Activision-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is reportedly leaving in January 2024 after 33 years in the company. Kotick’s announcement comes right after the finalization of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. In a public memo released to the company’s employees, Kotick details that he will work with Xbox’s Phil Spencer to assure a "smooth integration for our teams and players."
Kotick’s Legacy
As Activision’s CEO since 1991, Bobby Kotick helped create timeless Activision classics like Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, and Call of Duty. After the merger with Blizzard, Kotick remained CEO and oversaw the company’s biggest franchises, such as Warcraft, Starcraft, and Diablo. He also successfully ventured the company into mobile gaming with the acquisition of King and the release of Candy Crush Saga, where he also saw continued success.
Shortly before his announced departure, Microsoft finally completed the acquisition of Activision Blizzard King, heralding the video game industry’s biggest purchases at $68.7 billion.
Company Controversies
However, Kotick’s tenure was not a walk in the park. Sexual harassment cases against his company and allegations of a toxic and misogynistic workplace culture led to a federal investigation and an $18 million settlement for harassment and discrimination victims. Furthermore, Activision Blizzard was investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and had to pay a $35 million settlement for "failing to maintain disclosure controls related to complaints of workplace misconduct and violating whistleblower protection rule[s]."
Sources:
Bobby Kotick’s Memo to ABK Employees
Washington Post: Activision Blizzard officially settles federal sexual harassment suit for $18 million
US SEC: Activision Blizzard to Pay $35 Million for Failing to Maintain Disclosure Controls Related to Complaints of Workplace Misconduct and Violating Whistleblower Protection Rule
