Last week, Microsoft announced the layoffs of nearly 1,900 employees. With this news, we also learned of the departure of Mike Ybarra. After more than 20 years at Microsoft, he led the successful acquisition of Activision-Blizzard as President of Blizzard. Mike Ybarra therefore decided to jump ship, leaving Blizzard without anyone at its head. However, it did not take long for Microsoft to find its successor. And it is Johanna Faries that this heavy task falls to.
Former NFL executive, Johanna Faries joined the ranks of Activision Blizzard in August 2018. Then in spring 2021, she was chosen to replace Byron Beede and become general manager of the franchise. Call of Duty.
Chosen by Matt Booty to occupy her new position, Johanna Faries remains humble about this appointment. Firstly, because she is aware that her experience at Activision did not make her the ideal candidate for this position. Furthermore, the climate currently reigning in the company between canceled projects and wave of layoffs does not encourage outpourings of joy.
While waiting to officially take up her new role on February 5, Johanna Faries has created a account to stay tuned to the Blizzard gaming community.