Blizzard Entertainment, a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, has announced the appointment of Johanna Faries as its new president. Faries, who previously served as the general manager of Activision's Call of Duty franchise, will assume her role on February 5th, 2022.

The announcement of Faries' appointment comes after the departure of Mike Ybarra, the former president of Blizzard. Ybarra's exit coincided with recent layoffs at Microsoft, prompting Faries to step into the leadership position at Blizzard.

Faries acknowledged the potential reactions, questions, and concerns that her appointment may raise among Blizzard's staff. She emphasized the distinctive nature of Activision, Blizzard, and subsidiary King, highlighting that each company has different games, cultures, and communities despite operating under the same umbrella.

In an email to Blizzard staff, Faries expressed her commitment to the well-being of the company and its games. She stated that she will approach her new role with sensitivity and deep respect for Blizzard's values and history, recognizing the diverse dynamics present within the company.

Matt Booty, the Head of Xbox Game Studios at Microsoft, welcomed Faries to her new position and expressed excitement about partnering with her. Meanwhile, within Activision, Call of Duty's current Vice President of Product Management, Matt Cox, will take over as the leader of the franchise.

Blizzard's new president is determined to ensure the thriving success of the company, promoting a culture of care and consideration for its employees and games. Faries' experience and expertise in the gaming industry, particularly in leading the Call of Duty franchise, will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives as Blizzard explores new avenues to elevate its gaming universe.

As Blizzard moves forward under Faries' leadership, the industry will be watching to see how the company navigates the evolving landscape of gaming while maintaining the essence of what makes Blizzard's games truly unique.