The executive level of Activision Blizzard has often been seen an entity of its own. CEO Bobby Kotick and other executives are seemingly distant from the games and offerings of Activision Blizzard's studios. That view is likely to grow with the announcement of a new hire. Frances F. Townsend, counterterrorism expert for the administration of former US President George W. Bush, has been hired as Activision's new executive vice president for corporate affairs.
In her role as Activision Blizzard's EVP, Townsend is said to be overtaking the company's communications, government affairs, and public policy. One aspect of that is reportedly keeping Activision Blizzard in compliance with the laws of dozens of markets in which the company publishes games. Townsend says laws across these nations are "not in harmony," and so each country's publishing wing has to "understand the responsibilities and obligations" they have publishing Activision Blizzard games there.
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Another aspect of her position will be regarding the security of player information and accounts, also on a country-by-country basis. For example, certain regions require individually identifying information to be disclosed in order to access online experiences. Making that information available to government entities while also keeping it secure is within Townsend's oversight. It's clearly no simple matter given the size of Activision Blizzard's operations internationally.
In a prepared statement, Townsend said that she has "known Bobby for a decade," and that she believes he's "a transformational leader." She goes on to explain that she wants to be, "Part of the continuation of this incredible journey to connect the world through our amazing franchises." Kotick also shared his thoughts, saying that Activision Blizzard is fortunate to have Townsend's "wealth of experience added to our leadership team."
Townsend's past experience has no meaningful involvement in either the video game industry or executive-level business. Rather, her experience has centered around US government roles across the George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush administrations. Beyond that, she's been a frequent news analyst, as well as chief administrative officer of law firm MacAndrews & Forbes. Her role in W. Bush's post-9/11 counterterrorism efforts and Homeland Security is likely to provoke further scrutiny of Activision Blizzard's executives.
That said, Activision Blizzard should have a significant year for game publishing in 2021, with a new Call of Duty iteration, Crash Bandicoot 4 and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 ports coming to PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series, and both Diablo Immortal and Diablo 2: Resurrected being worked on at Blizzard. Activision Blizzard also posted a record year in 2020 with net revenues up 25 percent, which 2021 could see that climb more. Thus, Townsend is inarguably joining Activision Blizzard at a time of record growth for the company.
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Source: Wall Street Journal