Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick resigned
The long-term CEO of video games company Activision Blizzard, Bobby Kotick, has stepped down as of December 29, 2023. This decision follows the takeover of the company by Microsoft, which was completed in October for 68 billion dollars.
It also comes shortly after the company agreed to pay $54 million to settle a major lawsuit brought by the state of California over workplace discrimination and equal pay.
In a letter to employees, Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's video game division responsible for Activision Blizzard, said: "I want to thank Bobby for his invaluable contributions to this industry, his partnership in closing the Activision Blizzard acquisition, and his collaboration post-closing - and I wish him and his family the very best in his next chapter."
Spencer also announced that most of the company's leadership will remain in place.