0 COMMENTS
08/03/2021 8:00 am
During the last days, Activision Blizzard has been embroiled in a series of controversies related to allegations of abuse and inappropriate behavior in the workplace. Less than two weeks before the lawsuit by the state of California against this company, Today, August 3, it was announced that J. Allen Brack, President of Blizzard, will be stepping down looking for “new opportunities”.
In a surprise move, J. Allen Brack effectively ceases to be the president of Blizzard today, and will be replaced by Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra. Jen is the former director of Vicarious Visions, while Mike has overseen the evolution of Battle.net and the development services organization. This was the statement that was shared:
“Effective today, J. Allen Brack will cease to lead the studio, and Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will co-lead Blizzard going forward.
Jen joined Blizzard in January as Executive Vice President of Development, where she has been providing senior development leadership and support to the Diablo and Overwatch franchises. Jen is the former director of Vicarious Visions (now part of Blizzard Entertainment).
After many years at XBOX, Mike joined the company in 2019 as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Platform and Technology, where he has been overseeing the evolution of Battle.net and our development services organization.
Jen and Mike have more than three decades of experience in the gaming industry with each other. Moving forward, they will share responsibilities for game development and company operations.
Both leaders are deeply committed to all of our employees; to the work ahead to ensure that Blizzard is the safest and most welcoming workplace possible for women and people of any gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or origin; to defend and reinforce our values; and to rebuild your confidence. With their many years of industry experience and deep commitment to integrity and inclusion, Jen and Mike will lead Blizzard with care, compassion and dedication to excellence. You will hear more from Jen and Mike soon. ”
For his part, Brack mentioned that:
“I am confident that Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will provide the leadership Blizzard needs to realize its full potential and accelerate the pace of change. I anticipate that they will do so with passion and enthusiasm and that they can be trusted to lead with the highest levels of integrity and commitment to the components of our culture that make Blizzard so special. “
J. Allen Brack joined Blizzard in 2006, and began working on World of warcraft. In 2018, he was appointed president of the company, a position he held to this day. Hopefully this change will have positive results in the working lives of all employees in this company.
On related issues, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has shown his support for Activision Blizzard employees.
Via: Blizzard