Activision Blizzard CEO Robert Kotick is said to leave: This is claimed by the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg Magazine. They base this on various interviews and reports. But what does the future hold for Kotick in the company?
This is the situation: In recent days, the debate surrounding the sexism scandal at gaming giant Activision Blizzard has reignited. The Wall Street Journal reported that company chief Bobby Kotick withheld a report announced for the Christmas holidays. This report is said to contain over 700 complaints from employees, which has not yet been published.
Shortly thereafter, the bombshell drops: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard for around 68 billion euros. Following this, the fate of the still-CEO Robert “Bobby” Kotick becomes uncertain, with some sources stating: Kotick is said to leave.
Kotick is said to step down after acquisition – What do we know?
After Microsoft made a takeover bid for Activision Blizzard, one question remains: What will happen to CEO Bobby Kotick, who has allegedly kept key information about the sexism scandal secret?
In recent weeks and months, pressure on Kotick has grown. Investors and activists are calling for the immediate resignation of the Blizzard chief. However, neither Microsoft nor Activision Blizzard has commented on Kotick’s future in the company thus far.
Can Kotick stay? According to the Wall Street Journal, it is very likely that the CEO will step down after the completion of the acquisition by Microsoft. In the announcement of the acquisition, Microsoft reports that Bobby Kotick will initially remain in his position but also states that this responsibility will later be handed over to Phil Spencer (Microsoft Gaming CEO).
Bobby Kotick himself also comments on the Microsoft deal:
Transactions like this can take a long time to complete. Until all necessary regulations are concluded satisfactorily, which is likely to be in fiscal year 2023, by the end of June 2023, we remain fully self-directed. (…) I remain CEO with the same passion and enthusiasm with which I started in 1991.
Kotick in Microsoft statement
He also states that he wants to stay with the company, even if not in the role of CEO. He made it clear to Microsoft officials that the company is so important to him that he does not care what role the new leadership assigns him, as long as he can help ensure a smooth transition.
Who is calling for his resignation? The loudest voice currently is probably the SOC Investment Group, which demands Kotick and part of the board to step down immediately. The group has previously criticized the current Activision Blizzard CEO (via pcgamer.com):
- His salary is completely excessive
- Kotick knew about the abuse cases.
- He tolerated immoral and unethical behavior
In addition to the shareholders of Activision Blizzard, a political activist group is also demanding Kotick’s resignation. The ABK Worker’s Alliance emphasizes in various Twitter posts that they continue to fight against conditions that are similar to those at Activision Blizzard. Even in November 2021, the group demanded his resignation.
What will happen next with Kotick and Activision Blizzard?
It is still unclear whether Bobby Kotick will retain his positions in the long term or if he will have to give them up in the future. However, if the current situation does not worsen, he is likely to remain CEO of Activision Blizzard until mid-2023 — perhaps even longer.
If the new leadership really dismisses Kotick, it would involve a massive severance package. He could reportedly be entitled to around 300 million US dollars should he be forced to leave. Only if he is dismissed for specific fault would it be only 265,000 US dollars (via twitter.com).
What do you think? Should Kotick be removed from his position immediately, or should there be further and clearer differentiation? Share your opinion with us in the comments!
