Blizzard Entertainment posted an email that was delivered to Blizzard employees by Johanna Faries, the new President of Blizzard Entertainment.
“Dear Blizzard,
Though my official first day with you all is February 5, I want to let you know immediately that it is an honor to join you next week in this new capacity. I do so humbly and in awe of all that Blizzard has stood for and delivered to the world for over thirty years. Today also brings some mixed emotions. The loss of talented teammates in recent days is hard to hold side-by-side with the immense excitement I feel about joining Blizzard – and building on the momentum you’ve created for Blizzard’s next chapter.
I want to thank Matt for the introduction, bring some further clarity to today’s announcement, and share more about how I see our future together at Blizzard. I understand this is a lot to take in. The news of my appointment may no doubt bring up a range of reactions, questions, or even concerns.
Activision, Blizzard and King are decidedly different companies with distinct games, cultures, and communities. It is important to note the 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. I’ve discussed this with the Blizzard leadership team and I’m walking into this role with sensitivity to those dynamics, and deep respect for Blizzard, as we begin to explore taking our universes to even higher heights.
I am committed to doing everything I can to help Blizzard thrive, with care and consideration for you and our games, each unique and special in their own right. I’m optimistic about our ability to serve our current and future player communities and to further amplify the shared passion for greatness, polish, and creative mastery that is a hallmark of Blizzard’s approach to gaming…
…A few personal facts about me: my #1 job in life is raising two amazing boys. In addition to parenthood, a typical week for me includes finding time for daily yoga and prayer, and of course, playing video games (big Diablo IV fan over here!). Throughout, the joy I find in video games – and working with those who make them – only deepens…”
PCMag reported that Microsoft-owned game publisher Blizzard Entertainment has announced that Johanna Faries will be its new president, effective Feb, 5.
Faries’ announcement comes just days after Microsoft laid off 1,900 employees across its gaming businesses, affecting staff at Activision Blizzard, Xbox, and Zenimax, home to Bethesda Softworks, MachineGames and Arcane Studios. Former President Mike Ybarra also shared on X that he was leaving his role.
Prior to stepping up at Blizzard, Faries was at Activision as its general manager for the studios first-person shooter franchise Call of Duty. Faries also spent 11 years at the National Football League (NFL) on its business development, marketing, and licensing teams.
In my opinion, it is good that Blizzard has selected a new president, especially since former president Mike Ybarra has left the company. Johanna Faries appears to be a great choice, considering she previously was was involved with Call of Duty.