CEO Bobby Kotick to Leave Activision Blizzard on Dec 29 2023
Upon the formal close of the merger between Activision and Microsoft this past October, Kotick shared his commitment to remain with his company as CEO during a transition period through the end of 2023. That day is now soon to come, as long time Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has released a new message to employees saying goodbye to the company he led over the past 32 years. His last day will be December 29th, 2023.
Message from Bobby Kotick
Having bought the near bankrupt Activision (then called Mediagenic) in December of 1990, alongside longtime partner Brian Kelly and a small group of investors, Kotick is credited with near single handedly saving the ailing company from a state of ruin at over $60 million in debt. Restructuring and famously selling off furniture to help pay down the debt, the company was moved to Los Angeles and its Activision name restored, promising investors four years of 50% revenue growth and to make the company profitable within six — a goal quickly achieved as Activision then set its sights on acquiring additional development studios, merging with Vivendi Games in July 2008 to become Activision Blizzard, a new company estimated to be worth $18.9 billion at the time.
Though at times beset by both criticism over his business strategies and personal controversy, Kotick's tenure cannot be called unsuccessful; having led the ailing company from financial ruin to astronomical success over his 32 years at the helm, growing from a share price of less than $0.30 to over $100. Next week, that chapter comes to a close, as Microsoft takes the reins.
Bobby Kotick
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick sent the following email to employees:
Extraordinary People,
Over the years, my passion for video games Read more on wowhead.com
