Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, to Depart the Company on December 29th, 2023

A Farewell from Activision Blizzard CEO, Bobby Kotick

After 32 years at the helm of Activision Blizzard, Bobby Kotick will be stepping down as CEO on December 29th, 2023. Kotick's journey with the company began in 1990 when he led a group of investors to save the struggling company, then known as Mediagenic, from over $60 million in debt. Through his leadership, the company underwent restructuring and was rebranded as Activision. Kotick's vision and determination led to the company's success, with shares growing from less than $0.30 to over $100.

In a heartfelt message to employees, Kotick expressed his gratitude and pride in the talented individuals who have contributed to the company's growth and success. He acknowledged the transformation of video games from a hobbyist form of entertainment to the world's most engaging medium and credited his team for broadening the appeal of games. Kotick also highlighted the acquisition of various development studios and the merger with Vivendi Games, which led to the formation of Activision Blizzard, estimated to be worth $18.9 billion at the time.

• A Vision for the Future

As Kotick's chapter comes to a close, Microsoft Gaming will be taking the reins. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, expressed his appreciation for Kotick's leadership and the enduring impact Activision Blizzard has had on the industry. Spencer noted that there are no plans to change the structure of how the studios and business units are run, ensuring continuity for Activision Publishing, Blizzard, and King.

• Organizational Changes

In line with aligning Activision Blizzard with Microsoft Gaming, several organizational changes will be implemented. Thomas Tippl, Rob Kostich, Mike Ybarra, and Tjodolf Sommestad, who held leadership positions within Activision Blizzard, will now report to Matt Booty, President of Game Content and Studios at Microsoft Gaming. The rest of the leadership teams for Activision Publishing, Blizzard, and King will remain in place.

Additionally, Brian Bulatao, Julie Hodges, Grant Dixton, and Armin Zerza will be transitioning to roles within Microsoft Gaming to ensure a smooth transition. Lulu Meservey and Humam Sakhnini will be departing from Activision Blizzard, and their roles will be transitioned accordingly.

A Message from Phil Spencer

In his message to employees, Phil Spencer thanked Bobby Kotick for his invaluable contributions and partnership during the acquisition process. He expressed his confidence in the talent and capabilities of Activision Blizzard and emphasized his commitment to achieving ambitious goals and fostering a culture that is welcoming, empowering, and committed to "Gaming for Everyone." Spencer assured employees that it's business as usual and that exciting new games are on the horizon for 2024.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the transition of Activision Blizzard to Microsoft Gaming marks a new chapter filled with possibilities and growth. The combined expertise and resources of both companies will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of gaming.

Conclusion

Bobby Kotick's tenure as CEO of Activision Blizzard may be coming to an end, but his legacy of transforming a struggling company into an industry titan will be remembered for years to come. With Microsoft Gaming at the helm, the future looks promising for Activision Blizzard, and the gaming community can look forward to exciting new experiences and innovations in the coming years.