Activision Blizzard Hires Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Sets Q1 Earnings Release for April 25th

Activision Blizzard has named Kristen Hines as its new Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer ahead of the next planned earnings call on April 25th. The appointment comes after outlining ways the company promises to work towards improving diversity, hiring, and workplace culture. 

Hines comes to Activision Blizzard with over 20 years of experience and recently led Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at IT and consulting firm Accenture. In the press release announcing her hire, she says, “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”.

With Activision Blizzard recently getting a win in court as a judge signed off on the company’s settlement with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), they’ve worked to reiterate a commitment to doing better in light of the EEOC investigation and others (including a huge California lawsuit still pending). 

CEO Bobby Kotick is also quoted in the release reiterating his prior statements on improvement at the company and promises to be more transparent and do better. “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.” Kotick himself has been accused of worsening workplace conditions or ignoring others, but the company board has stuck by him as the person to lead a company turnaround after admitting that Activision Blizzard failed in some ways (including in the statements confirming the EEOC settlement and agreed-to practices to secure the settlement itself). 

For now, it’s Hines’ chance to use her experience in global DEI practice to see if Activision Blizzard will begin meeting its goals.

The company’s next earnings report, which will cover the first quarter of the year, is set for April 25th. With acquisition by Microsoft pending, the company will not host a conference call once again, but will issue a release with pertinent info. With several big announcements planned or moving forward soon, there may be new info coming then too.

For more on the earnings results plans, head here to Activision Blizzard.