Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who caused controversy over sexual harassment allegations, will finally retire at the end of 2023



Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft , announced the retirement of CEO Bobby Kotick. CEO Kotick was supposed to continue as CEO of the company until the acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft was completed, but since the acquisition was completed, he will finally retire.

Bobby Kotick: With gratitude - Activision Blizzard King
https://newsroom.activisionblizzard.com/p/bobby-kotick-december-note



Activision Blizzard boss Bobby Kotick departs in just a few days | Eurogamer.net
https://www.eurogamer.net/activision-blizzard-boss-bobby-kotick-departs-in-just-a-few-days

Bobby Kotick out at Activision Blizzard following Microsoft acquisition - Polygon
https://www.polygon.com/24009894/bobby-kotick-resigns-activision-blizzard-microsoft

Microsoft announces more Xbox leadership changes as Activision's Bobby Kotick departs - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/20/24009129/microsoft-gaming-xbox-phil-spencer-bobby-kotick-activision-leadership-changes

CEO Kotick became CEO of Activision in 1991 and promoted the merger of Activision and Vivendi Games in 2007. When Activision Blizzard was founded in 2008, he became the company's first CEO. At Activision Blizzard, which has grown to be one of the world's largest game publishers at the time of article creation, CEO Kotick has continued to reign at the top for 32 years.

In 2021, Activision Blizzard became a problem with sexual harassment and abuse within the company, and was sued by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). The company's CEO, Kotick, was criticized for being aware of rampant sexual harassment and violence within the company even before the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed a lawsuit.

It was reported that ``Activision Blizzard's CEO knew about the sexual damage caused by his employees even before he was sued,'' which led to a strike by employees - GIGAZINE



In response to the issue, Microsoft commented, `` We will reconsider our relationship with Activision Blizzard .'' Sponsors have pulled out of the professional esports league run by Activision Blizzard, and the company is also facing lawsuits from shareholders . In addition, calls were made from within Activision Blizzard for CEO Kotick to resign, with more than 1,000 employees signing a petition.




However, since Microsoft announced the acquisition of Activision Blizzard in January 2022, the issue of CEO Kotick's advancement will be put on hold ``until Microsoft completes its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.''

And in October 2023, Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was finally completed, so preparations were made to settle the issue of CEO Kotick's advancement and departure.

Microsoft finally completes acquisition of Activision Blizzard - GIGAZINE



Kotick will step down as CEO of Activision Blizzard on December 29, 2023, and will be replaced by Jill Braff, a Microsoft executive and gaming industry veteran who cut her teeth at both Nintendo and Sega in the 1990s. He will be promoted to head of ZeniMax Media and Bethesda Softworks.

'I cannot adequately express the pride I have in the people who have contributed to Activision Blizzard's success and who have helped me throughout the 32 years I have led this company,' said CEO Kotick. 'We are now part of the most admired company in the world, and that is no coincidence,' he said, thanking Activision Blizzard's employees.

``Phil (Spencer) shares our values and recognizes our talent.'' ``He has a passion for our games and the people who make them.Phil has bold ambitions.'' 'As we move on to our next exciting chapter, we couldn't be more excited.' I spoke.

According to CEO Kotick, Lulu Meservay, Activision Blizzard's chief communications officer, is also scheduled to retire.

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