Blizzard has appointed its first head of culture

videogameschronicle.com:

Blizzard Entertainment has named Jessica Martinez as its first vice president, head of culture.

Prior to joining the World of Warcraft studio, Martinez spent 14 years at Disney where she led strategy, communications, operations and employee experience as its chief of staff.

In her new role, she’ll work with Blizzard’s leadership team to implement its culture strategy, ensuring alignment across its various teams and functions, and to revamp its learning and talent development programmes.

“When you create a people-first environment where teams feel safe, valued, and work together toward a shared purpose, everyone thrives–the employees, the players, and the business,” Martinez said.

“Making the values of our connections show up in what we do is how we bring humanity back to business.”

Martinez’s appointment is Activision Blizzard’s latest move to address workplace toxicity issues brought to light last July when it was sued by California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing over its failure to handle sexual harassment and discrimination against female employees.

The company is in the process of attempting to clean up its image as it seeks to merge with Microsoft in a $68.7 billion deal currently being scrutinised by the US Federal Trade Commission.

Four senators recently wrote to the FTC expressing their concern that the proposed deal “threatens worker-led demands for accountability” over sexual misconduct and discrimination allegations.

Last month Activision Blizzard appointed Kristen Hines as its new chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

It said she will play a leading role in helping the company deliver on its commitment to grow the number of women and non-binary people in its workforce by 50 percent over the next