Call of Duty's GM, Johanna Faries, Named New Blizzard President

As Microsoft laid off 1900 employees last week, Mike Ybarra also announced he was leaving the company and a new president of Bilzzard was expected to be announced within the week.

The announcement comes a bit sooner than that as today Johanna Faries has been named the gaming company's new leader.

For the last 5 years, Faries has been the general manager for Call of Duty, the Call of Duty esports commissioner, and the senior VP head of leagues. This follows over 11 years of experience in the NFL in marketing and business development.

Hi all. Today I sent the below note to @Blizzard_Ent. As for X: I play to stay in "listen mode" here, but trust I'm tuned in! As for me: a typical day=work life+yogi life+games life. Currently on heavy rotation: D4, COD, BG3. Feeling blessed & grateful🙏🏽Onward. ✨ pic.twitter.com/Ph8XgsTcpk

— Johanna Faries (@Joh_Burg) January 29, 2024

In an email sent to Blizzard staff, and later shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Faries, the new leader says, "The news of my appointment may no doubt bring up a range of reactions, questions, even concerns. Activision, Blizzard, and King are decidedly different companies with distinct games, cultures, and communities. It is important to note that Call of Duty’s way of waking up in the morning to deliver for players can often differ from the stunning games in Blizzard’s realm."

Faries will officially begin the job on February 5th and will be headed to Irvine to meet employees, hold calls with those not in Irvine, and begin prep for a Town Hall to be held later.