Activision Blizzard: New Director to Lead Inclusive, Equality and Diversity Efforts

Game News Activision Blizzard: New Director to Lead Inclusive, Equality and Diversity Efforts

“Create a workplace that values ​​transparency, fairness and inclusion”

In a statement posted on its official website on April 11, 2022, Activision-Blizzard announced that it has hired Kristen Hines as Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. His position will take effect from April 25. A decision that aligns with recent measures the company has taken to improve the workspace. On the subject, Kristen Hines says she is excited about the idea of ​​continuing the company’s efforts, she said in the press release:

I am excited to join a company that is prioritizing its commitment to DEI (Diversity, Inclusion and Equity) and advancing towards its ambitious goals. In an industry that has historically been underrepresented, I look forward to leading the company’s efforts to create a workplace that values ​​transparency, fairness and inclusion.

It is also Bobby Kotick who is speaking about this new hire. The current Activision-Blizzard CEO, who could leave his position when the Microsoft acquisition closes, praises Kristen Hines’ qualities and explains why she is the ideal choice for such a mission:

Activision Blizzard has big ambitions to be the friendliest and most inclusive company in gaming. We have already made significant progress in ensuring the well-being and safety of our employees, and we are delighted to have Kristen Hines join us. Her past achievements make her the right person to ensure the creation of an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace in line with our values.

Recruitment after a difficult 2021

A recruitment that certainly took place in the wake of the numerous allegations brought against Activision Blizzard in 2021: cases of harassment and assault, toxic culture… In fact, at the end of 2021, it was the Washington Post that published an investigation in which Bobby Kotick allegedly silenced these matters. Recently it is a shipyard in California which validated the $18 million agreement between the EEOC and the company : a fund that will be used to compensate the victims, but which will also be paid to associations whose purpose is to promote women in video games.

Also recently, four US senators got involved in the deal Microsoft reached to acquire Activision Blizzard for 68.7 billion: they want the FTC, Federal Trade Commissioninvest more thoroughly to determine whether this acquisition cannot worsen”the spate of allegations of sexual abuse, harassment and retaliation at Activision uncovered in recent federal investigations†