Blizzard Entertainment President J. Allen Brack is leaving the video game maker amid employee turmoil stemming from allegations of sexual discrimination and harassment.
In a letter to employees sent Tuesday, Activision Blizzard President and Chief Operating Officer Daniel Alegre said Brack “is leaving the company to pursue new opportunities.”
Jen Oneal, executive vice president and general manager of platform and technology at Blizzard, and Mike Ybarra, executive vice president and general manager of platform and technology at Blizzard, will become the co-leaders of Blizzard.
“Both are leaders of great character and integrity and are deeply committed to ensuring our workplace is the most inspired, welcoming environment for creative excellence and to upholding our highest game development standards,” Alegre said. “With their many years of industry experience and deep commitment to integrity and inclusivity, I am certain Jen and Mike will lead Blizzard with care, compassion and a dedication to excellence.”
Oneal has been with Blizzard for 18 years and was the former head of Vicarious Visions studio. As executive vice president of development, she has been providing senior development leadership and support to Blizzard’s “Diablo” and “Overwatch” game franchises.
Ybarra previously oversaw Battle.net and its development services organizations. He has more than 20 years of experience in the technology and gaming industries, including seven years as a senior executive at Microsoft’s Xbox division.
A California state agency recently filed a lawsuit against Santa Monica, California-based Activision Blizzard Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) alleging the company fostered a “frat house” culture and that female employees were subject to sexual harassment. The suit also states that women of color, in particular, were targeted for discrimination.
Although many of the allegations allegedly took place before Brack was named president in 2018, Brack has nevertheless come under fire for his leadership style, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Last Wednesday, tensions rose higher as Activision Blizzard employees staged a walkout at their campus in Irvine, California. Employees criticized the company’s initial response to the suit and called for more equitable treatment, including an end to practices such as forced arbitration, according to Bloomberg.
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick responded with a letter to employees apologizing for the company’s response to the lawsuit, which he said was “tone deaf.”
“It is imperative that we acknowledge all perspectives and experiences and respect the feelings of those who have been mistreated in any way. I am sorry that we did not provide the right empathy and understanding,” Kotick said. “We are taking swift action to be the compassionate, caring company you came to work for and to ensure a safe environment. There is no place anywhere at our company for discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment of any kind."
Kotick said the company has hired the law firm WilmerHale to conduct a review of its policies and procedures.
