Microsoft has appointed Johanna Faries, the former general manager of “Call of Duty,” as the new president of the game publishing unit Blizzard Entertainment. This development comes as part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to leverage its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in a $69 billion deal last year.
Matt Cox, an insider within the organization, has assumed the role of senior vice president and general manager of “Call of Duty.” This appointment reflects Microsoft’s commitment to seamless leadership transitions within its newly acquired gaming portfolio.
Johanna Faries, set to officially assume her role on February 5, brings a wealth of experience to Blizzard Entertainment. She joined Activision Blizzard in 2018, following a distinguished career of over a decade at the National Football League (NFL).
This restructuring follows Microsoft’s recent decision to streamline its workforce, resulting in the layoff of 1,900 employees at Activision Blizzard and Xbox last week. As part of the changes, Mike Ybarra and Allen Adham, former president and chief design officer at Blizzard, respectively, departed from the company.
Microsoft’s reshaping of its gaming division underscores its commitment to optimizing its newly acquired assets and fostering fresh talent within the gaming industry. The appointment of Johanna Faries is seen as a strategic move to bring diverse expertise into the leadership of Blizzard Entertainment, further enhancing the company’s position in the competitive gaming landscape.
