After serving as the CEO of Activision Blizzard for the last 32 years, Bobby Kotick is officially stepping down from his position on 29th December 2023 following the completion of Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of the company in October.

In a note published on Activision Blizzard newsroom, Bobby Kotick sent an email to his employees and reflected on his long tenure serving as the leader of the company.

Kotick began serving as CEO only 12 years after the company’s founding in 1979 and has been overseeing Activision since 1991.

Throughout his tenure as CEO, he led the company in many key moments including the merger of Activision and Vivendi Gamers in 2008 that led to Activision Blizzard.

“I cannot adequately express the pride I have in the people who continue to contribute to our success and all those who have helped throughout my 32 years leading this company,” said Kotick.

The CEO also oversaw the company during a period when Blizzard Entertainment was under investigation by the California Civil Rights Department in a 2021 lawsuit that encompassed sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and pay inequality based on gender.

Microsoft Acquisition 

In the memo, Kotick also expressed his thoughts on working with Microsoft, saying “We are now part of the world’s most admired company. That isn’t an accident.”

“Phil Spencer has appreciated the magic of ABK for decades.”

“When he approached Brian and me two years ago and proposed acquiring the company, it was immediately obvious that the combination of our businesses would enable us to continue to lead as the list of capable, well-resourced competitors grows.”

“Phil shares our values and recognizes our talents. He is passionate about our games and the people who make them. He has bold ambition.”

“As we move into our next exciting chapter, you could not be in better hands.”

“I will always be profoundly grateful to the people who contributed tirelessly to building this company and I am confident you will keep inspiring joy and uniting people through the power of play.”

Leadership Changes

In a report by The Verge, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, announced in his internal email to staff that with Kotick’s departure, there will be organizational changes. 

” I’d like to thank Bobby—for his invaluable contributions to this industry, his partnership in closing the Activision Blizzard acquisition, and his collaboration following the close—and I wish him and his family the very best in his next chapter.”

After Kotick’s departure, Microsft Studio Head Matt Booty will be leading the Activision Blizzard executive leadership team, which will remain largely the same.