Source: Jon Kopaloff/Getty/Johanna Faries
Blizzard Entertainment has a new president, Johanna Faries.
Effective February 5, Johanna Faries will succeed Mike Ybarra, who left the company last week following news that Xbox and Activision were laying off 1,900 employees.
Fairies have been part of the Blizzard family since 2018, first as its commissioner Call of Duty esports before being promoted to its general manager Call of Duty.
Before bringing her talents to the video game world, Faries was the vice president of club business development for 11 years at the NFL.
In her announcementFaries talked about becoming President while acknowledging the massive layoffs at the company.
“I want to let you know right away that I am honored to be with you next week in this new capacity. I am so humbled and in awe of all that Blizzard has stood for and delivered to the world for over thirty years. Today also brings some mixed emotions,” Faries said.
“The loss of talented teammates over the past few days is hard to hold alongside the tremendous excitement I feel about joining Blizzard – and the momentum you've built for Blizzard's next chapter.”
She continued, “I am committed to doing everything I can to help Blizzard thrive, with care and respect for you and our games, each unique and special in their own right.”
Power Moves for Women of Color in Video Games
Fairies is the latest woman of color to achieve a high profile in the video game industry. In a shakeup of its leadership structure, Xbox has promoted Sarah Bond to President.
In an exclusive interview with HHW Gaming Bernard “Beanz” Smalls, Faries discussed the importance of seeing someone like her in prominent roles in the gaming industry.
It is an honor in every way to be able to occupy this chair and this role. I know it represents a lot to a lot of different people, beyond just being a business executive. People who have the ambition to be part of big franchises and also be a part of tech and gaming in general, but also for women and minorities and underrepresented communities that are still rising through the ranks of our industry in particular.
Congratulations to Johanna Faries. We look forward to seeing what her leadership brings to Blizzard.
