Activision Blizzard has announced it has hired Julie Hodges from The Walt Disney Company to become the new Chief People Officer and help “build a more inclusive workplace.” Hodges hiring comes as Activision Blizzard continues to confront the fallout of an ongoing gender discrimination lawsuit from the state of California.
Hodges was previously senior vice president of corporate HR, compensation, benefits, and talent acquisition at The Walt Disney Company. According to a press release provided by Activision Blizzard, Hodges was responsible for helping shape corporate culture at Disney.
Hodges will oversee all aspects of human resources “including diversity, equity and inclusion, talent acquisition, employee experience, learning and development, compensation, and benefits and workplace planning,” at Activision Blizzard.
Hodges was hired alongside Delta Airlines’ Sandeep Dube who will serve as the new Chief Commercial Officer, a revenue role.
Hodges will replace Claudine Naughton who is the former Chief People Officer. The company's former HR executive, Jesse Meschuk also left in August 2021 alongside president J. Allen Brack. Meschuk left following a lawsuit by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing which accused the video game developer of systemically discriminating against women employees in regards to salaries and promotions. Furthermore, Activision Blizzard was accused of fostering a work environment where female employees were sexually harassed.
The lawsuit claims Activision Blizzard’s human resources department was complicit in this workplace and employees were discouraged from reporting to human resources as they “were known to be close to alleged harassers.” An HR employee at Blizzard was pictured in the “Cosby Suite,” photograph.
In a statement, Activision Blizzard’s incoming chief people officer says, “I share the company’s belief that a work environment should welcome all perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds."
“A workforce where everyone feels valued is critical to the success of our business, as is a trusting, engaging, and safe environment that encourages creativity and innovation and in which all employees can thrive," says Hodges. "It takes a collective effort to do this, and I’m looking forward to ensuring that we support the diversity of our talent to bring our people together and continue creating amazing entertainment.”
IGN’s own internal investigation within Blizzard has revealed that there is work to be done to regain this trust. Reports have also emerged that Activision Blizzard is retaliating against employees who are speaking out against the company.
Correction: An earlier version of this story suggested Hodges replaced HR executive Jesse Meschuk. Hodges will be replacing Activision Blizzard's former Chief People Officer Claudine Naughton who is leaving the company. The story has been edited to reflec this.
Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.