Blizzard Entertainment Welcomes Johanna Faries as President Between Leadership Transition

With the sudden retirement of Mike Ybarra, Blizzard Entertainment has appointed Johanna Faries as its president, ushering in a new era for the company. Faries has extensive background in both the gaming and sports industries. He was once the general manager of Activision’s Call of Duty franchise.

Faries highlighted the varied qualities of Activision, Blizzard, and King as separate businesses with a variety of games, cultures, and communities in an email she sent to Blizzard workers. demonstrating her dedication to Blizzard’s success, she stated, “I am committed to doing everything I can to help Blizzard thrive, with care and consideration for you and for our games, each unique and special in their own right.”

Faries, who has a notable history with the National Football League and at Activision, expressed hope about Blizzard’s future. She emphasized how committed she is to supporting player communities and maintaining the standards of excellence, refinement, and creative mastery that are fundamental to Blizzard’s style of game development.

A Leadership Shift in the Gaming Landscape

Faries’ appointment marks a departure from Blizzard’s tradition of promoting leaders from within the gaming and tech realms. With a background in business and marketing, her arrival signals potential shifts in Blizzard’s creative direction. Blizzard, a major player in the gaming industry, has faced challenges in recent years, encountering mixed receptions for titles like Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4.

Officially, on February 5, Faries will take over as President of Blizzard Entertainment. Her hiring coincides with Blizzard’s changing business environment and the industry, indicating a deliberate decision on the part of the corporation to include a range of viewpoints and areas of expertise. The way that Faries leads Blizzard will be closely watched by the gaming community for its next initiatives.

Under the leadership of Johanna Faries, Blizzard Entertainment embarks on a new chapter that emphasizes teamwork, hope, and a dedication to its unique gaming heritage.