A Change of Leadership
Today, with the publication of a note to his employees, CEO Bobby Kotick of Activision Blizzard announced he is stepping down at the end of the year. The announcement marks the end of a 32-year position as the head of the company. Kotick’s note to the employees of the company is reflective and addresses the works that the company has accomplished in his time as CEO.Â
After Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a leadership change was expected. In fact, according to reporting from The Verge, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer is aiming to continue aligning the company with Microsoft Gaming. An internal memo from Spencer discusses the coming reorganization. Currently, Microsoft has not reported a replacement for Kotick. Instead, Spencer’s internal memo discusses the roll out of Blizzard executives who will be reporting to Microsoft’s Matt Booty. Additionally, the memo also refers to the exciting 2024 line-up of games and business as usual.Â
Kotick’s own message to Activision Blizzard functions as a thank you to the employees under him the past three decades. Addressing the employees of the company as “Extraordinary People”, the note includes statement on how far games have come and the responsibility the employees of Blizzard Activision share in that.Â
“You have transformed a hobbyist form of entertainment into the world’s most engaging medium. It has been the privilege of my lifetime to work alongside you…” Says Kotick in the note, “Perhaps the most important part of my job has been to help bring talented people together, provide the best resources possible, and foster an environment that encourages inspiration…”Â
Of course, naming a replacement may not occur until the new year. Yet Kotick assures his employees they are in good hands. Kotick will be stepping down on December 29th, according to Spencer’s memo.Â