Bobby Kotick Will Remain Activision Blizzard CEO Through End Of 2023 Following Microsoft Acquisition
After nearly two years since the announcement, Microsoft has officially acquired Activision Blizzard for nearly $69 billion. Now, in emails from Microsoft Gaming CEO and Xbox Head Phil Spencer and Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, we know Kotick will remain CEO through the end of 2023. Kotick says Spencer specifically asked him to remain as CEO through the end of the year to help with the transition, now that Activision Blizzard is part of the Xbox first-party umbrella.
«I have long said that I am fully committed to helping with the transition,» Kotick writes in an email he sent to all of Activision Blizzard. "[Phil Spencer] has asked me to stay on as CEO of ABK, reporting to him, and we have agreed that I will do that through the end of 2023. We both look forward to working together on a smooth integration for our teams and players."
Spencer writes in an email, «We couldn't be more excited that Activision Blizzard employees are our colleagues, co-workers, and teammates. Bobby Kotick has agreed to remain in his role through the end of 2023, reporting directly to me, to ensure a smooth and seamless integration. We look forward to working together as a unified team and we will share more updates on our new organizational structure in the coming months.»
Since Microsoft announced its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard nearly two years ago for $69 billion, analysts have expected Kotick to take advantage of one of various «golden parachute» options at his disposal as a result of the purchase. As reported by Axios last year, if Kotick is fired/let go after this purchase, he'll be entitled to a $15 million payout.
He could also receive up to $22 million in stock if Activision Blizzard's board sees improvement in
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