Update: Blizzard’s Head of Global Human Resources also left the company.
Just before the launch of a new expansion, quite unexpected news has broken out. J. Allen Brack is now a former president of Blizzard. The company announced that he’ll be stepping down from the role.
Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will be replacing him at the helm:
- Jen Oneal was previously a head of Vicarious Vicious studio. Now a part of Blizzard, the studio is recently known for games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 remake, Crash Bandicoot N’ Sane Trilogy, and now it’s working on Diablo 2 Resurrected, coming out in just a couple of months.
- Mike Ybarra was previously a VP at XBOX and from 2019 he was working as an executive VP and general manager at Blizzard.
Here’s an official letter regarding Brack’s departure:
To all members of the Blizzard Community,
We want to let you know about an important leadership change at Blizzard Entertainment.
Starting today, J. Allen Brack will be stepping down as the leader of the studio, and Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will co-lead Blizzard moving forward.
Jen joined Blizzard in January as executive vice president of development, where she’s been providing senior development leadership and support to the Diablo and Overwatch franchises. Jen is the former head of Vicarious Visions (which is now part of Blizzard Entertainment).
After many years at XBOX, Mike joined the company in 2019 as the executive vice president and general manager of platform and technology, where he’s been overseeing the evolution of Battle.net and our development services organization.
Jen and Mike have more than three decades of gaming industry experience between them. Moving forward, they will share responsibilities over game development and company operations.
Both leaders are deeply committed to all of our employees; to the work ahead to ensure Blizzard is the safest, most welcoming workplace possible for women, and people of any gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or background; to upholding and reinforcing our values; and to rebuilding your trust. With their many years of industry experience and deep commitment to integrity and inclusivity, Jen and Mike will lead Blizzard with care, compassion, and a dedication to excellence. You’ll hear more from Jen and Mike soon.
The following is a message from J. Allen Brack:
“I am confident that Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will provide the leadership Blizzard needs to realize its full potential and will accelerate the pace of change. I anticipate they will do so with passion and enthusiasm and that they can be trusted to lead with the highest levels of integrity and commitment to the components of our culture that make Blizzard so special.”
Finally, thank you all for being a part of the Blizzard community, and for your passion and determination for safety and equality for all.
Good riddance! I don’t really like him for all his response regarding controversies around Blizzard.
Instant ban Blitzchung, when he can just remedy the situation better?
Not dealing with harassment issues because of friendly terms?
The failure of Warcraft 3 Reforge?
I can also suspect the layoffs of hundreds of people is his doing, but not in a direct way.
But I am nobody here and just wanna speak outloud, that changes in leadership is a long time coming.
Yeah, truth to be told, I never liked the guy. With him at the head, it was one controversy after another and mostly late reactions. I hope that the new leadership will be good for the company.
Not a very ‘big’ news, but maybe put it out too?
https://kotaku.com/activistion-blizzard-faces-second-lawsuit-over-first-la-1847415904
I’m really swamped with new expansion coverage now, but I’ll definitely read through it tomorrow!
Did Brack step down because of the lawsuit or the circumstances surrounding it?
The official reason was that he wanted to “pursue other opportunities”, but let’s be honest, with this timing it’s obvious that the lawsuit was the reason (or at least one of the reasons).