Blizzard Entertainment appoints Johanna Faries as new president following the departure of Mike Ybarra. The company announced the appointment of Faries, who has been with Activision Blizzard King for nearly five and a half years, serving as general manager of the Call of Duty series since April 2021. Previously, he led Call of Duty’s esports division.
In an email sent to Blizzard Entertainment employees, Faries expressed his honor in joining the company and his respect for Blizzard’s history for more than thirty years. He acknowledged the loss of talented teammates in recent days, but also shared his excitement about joining Blizzard and building on the momentum created for the company’s next chapter.
Faries addressed the differences between Activision, Blizzard and King, highlighting the different cultures, games and communities that characterize each company. She stated that she understands the specific dynamics at Blizzard and is committed to helping the company thrive, showing care and consideration for both employees and the unique games they offer.
In the email, Faries was optimistic about Blizzard’s ability to serve current and future gaming communities, highlighting the shared passion for greatness, polish, and creative mastery that characterizes Blizzard’s approach to game creation.
The new president expressed her desire to connect with employees, scheduling informal meetings and optionally hearing from more people within the organization. She also announced planning for a general meeting in the near future.
Johanna Faries concluded the email by sharing some personal aspects, including her dedication as a mother of two children, her daily yoga and prayer practices, and her love for video games, being a big fan of Diablo IV. She expressed how inspired she is by Blizzard’s iconic legacy and how eager she is to contribute to a bright future alongside the Blizzard community.
Fountain: Gematsu
