Bobby Kotick to Remain as CEO of Activision Blizzard Until End of 2023

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been finalized, and it has been confirmed that Bobby Kotick will continue as the company’s CEO until the end of 2023. This suggests a potential departure from the position at the beginning of next year.

Kotick sent an email to all Activision Blizzard employees this morning regarding the future of the company and his role in the transition of power. He will be working with the existing Acti-Blizz executives and the incoming Microsoft top brass. The email was obtained by reporters and shared with the public.

“I have always been committed to assisting with the transition,” Kotick stated. “Phil [Spencer] has asked me to stay on as CEO of ABK, reporting to him, and we have agreed that I will do so until the end of 2023. We both look forward to a smooth integration for our teams and players.”

It is unclear if Kotick will step down immediately at the start of 2024, but based on his email, it is possible that a transfer of power could occur in the first quarter of 2024. Dot Esports reached out to Activision Blizzard for clarification on this timeline, but the company spokesperson could not confirm reports about Kotick’s future plans.

Kotick became CEO of Activision Blizzard in 1991 after acquiring a stake in the company a year earlier. He has held the position for over three decades, but with new leadership incoming, his time at Activision Blizzard may be coming to an end.

In recent years, Kotick has faced numerous controversies, with his name being associated with various scandals in the early 2020s. In 2021, Blizzard employees staged multiple walkouts after reports emerged that Kotick had knowledge of sexual misconduct allegations within the company. Calls for his replacement were frequent, but he has remained on the company’s board.

This is a breaking news story, and more details will follow. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.