Blizzard Welcomes New President While Addressing Recent Layoffs and Company Dynamics
Johanna Faries' former roles include Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Fan Development at the NFL.
The new president of Blizzard used to be in charge of Call of Duty.
Image: Blizzard Logo
Blizzard Entertainment, a legendary name in the gaming industry, has announced Johanna Faries as its new president. This executive shuffle comes amidst recent layoffs, where over 1,900 employees lost their jobs. But fear not, fellow gamers! The future is still looking bright for Blizzard.
A Leader with a Record of Success
Johanna Faries isn’t a newcomer to the gaming scene. She previously served as the general manager of the immensely popular Call of Duty franchise under Activision. With close to three years of experience leading Call of Duty, she’s no stranger to managing a high-pressure, fast-paced gaming ecosystem. But before her time at Activision, Faries spent over a decade working at the NFL, where she honed her skills in marketing and fan development.
Understanding the Landscape
Faries acknowledges that Activision, Blizzard, and King (the minds behind Candy Crush Saga) are all separate entities, each with their own unique needs. In her email to Blizzard employees, she reassured them that she recognizes these differences and approaches her new role with sensitivity to the diverse dynamics at play.
“It is important to note that Call of Duty’s way of waking up in the morning to deliver for players can often differ from the stunning games in Blizzard’s realm: each with different gameplay experiences, communities that surround them, and requisite models of success,” Faries wrote.
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A Commitment to Thriving
Despite the recent challenges, Faries is committed to helping Blizzard thrive. She expressed care and consideration for both the employees and the games themselves, recognizing their uniqueness and significance. It’s clear that she values the impact gaming has on people’s lives and is eager to contribute to Blizzard’s iconic legacy.
Q&A: Addressing Reader Concerns
Q: Who is Johanna Faries and what are her qualifications?
A: Johanna Faries is the newly appointed president of Blizzard Entertainment. Prior to joining Blizzard, she served as the general manager of Activision’s Call of Duty franchise and held several leadership positions at the NFL.
Q: How will Faries address the recent layoffs and company dynamics?
A: Faries acknowledges the recent layoffs and the distinct needs and differences between Activision, Blizzard, and King. She is committed to navigating these dynamics with care and consideration for the employees and games.
Q: Is Faries Blizzard’s first female leader?
A: No, Faries is not the first female leader at Blizzard. Jen Oneal briefly served as co-leader alongside Mike Ybarra in 2021. However, Faries is poised to take on the role of president on February 5, 2023.
Q: What is the significance of Faries being a Call of Duty fan?
A: Faries’s love for gaming, especially her passion for the highly acclaimed Call of Duty franchise, showcases her understanding of the gaming community and her dedication to creating exceptional gaming experiences.
Looking Ahead
Blizzard Entertainment is embarking on a new chapter with Johanna Faries at the helm. As a seasoned gaming executive with a proven track record, she is committed to championing Blizzard’s success while acknowledging the challenges at hand. Together, with her leadership and the collective passion of Blizzard’s employees and players, the future looks bright and full of legendary adventures.
Be sure to share this article with your fellow gamers and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 👇🎮
References:
- Email from Johanna Faries to Blizzard employees
- Blizzard’s Previous Leadership Change
- Gender Discrimination Lawsuit Against Blizzard
- Co-President Jen Oneal’s Departure
- Resolution of the Lawsuit
