Less than one year after employees at the Irvine-based Activision Blizzard participated in an organized walk-out in demand of equality, equal pay, the end to ongoing sexual assaults and the correction of several other workplace inconsistencies, brought to light by a federal lawsuit, the gaming giant has appointed a new Chief Diversity Officer. 

On Monday, April 12, Activision Blizzard announced the appointment of Kristen Hines, formerly of the information technology service and consultation firm Accenture. Hines will reportedly begin in this new role on April 25. 

Hines will be joining the gaming giant’s senior leadership team and will report to the company’s Chief People Officer, Julie Hodges, according to the announcement release. 

In a statement, Hines said she is looking forward to meeting the goals Activision Blizzard has set for itself in its quest to establish equality across the board. Hines added that she hopes to make underrepresentation in the gaming industry a thing of the past.  

“I’m excited to join a company that is prioritizing its commitment to DEI and making progress on the ambitious goals it has set for itself. In an industry with historical underrepresentation, I’m looking forward to leading the company’s efforts to further build a workplace that values transparency, equity, and inclusivity,” Hines said. “Gaming has amazing potential to connect communities around the world and showcase heroes from all backgrounds. I am looking forward to playing a part in expanding the landscape of talent who brings these compelling experiences to a broad base of players.”

Speaking of Hines joining the Activision Blizzard family, Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, said he wants to eliminate all the barriers that have plagued the industry for so long. As an agent of change, Kotick said Hines has demonstrated the ability to lead by example and was a perfect fit for this role.

“Activision Blizzard has ambitious goals to become the most welcoming and inclusive company in the gaming industry. We have already made significant progress ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees, and we are excited to have Kristen join our leadership team to help drive even greater improvement,” Kotick said. “Kristen’s success leading complex transformation with measurable results makes her the right person to ensure we deliver on our diversity, equity and inclusion commitments and build a model workplace aligned with our values.”

Last year, in July, Activision Blizzard made headlines when the World Of Warcraft creator was sued by the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) after an investigation found a workplace culture of harassment and “inappropriate behavior.”

Employees then organized a walkout after many employees felt that Activision CEO Bobby Kotick’s response to employees’ demand for change fell flat. 

During the walkout last year on Wednesday, July 28, Irvine Weekly spoke with an Activision and a Blizzard employee in attendance. While both opted to keep their identities anonymous, both echoed statements in support of the victims that have been made public and those that have remained private.

However, both continued to reiterate that leadership at Blizzard has yet to show true accountability.

Speaking to Irvine Weekly, the Blizzard employee explained the purpose of the walkout was to stand with fellow Blizzard employees and to ensure leadership continues to take responsibility for the damage it has caused.

“The purpose of this walkout is, first and foremost, solidarity for the victims of the lawsuit, and also victims not mentioned in the lawsuit,” the employee said. “It’s also a call to action for the demands that were publicly posted – and it’s also a request for accountability – that we have not received yet.”

In January, Activision Blizzard was acquired by Microsoft for $68 billion. The deal will be final in June 2023. 

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