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‘Call of Duty’ Exec Johanna Faries Named Activision Blizzard’s President. Microsoft, which acquired Activision Blizzard for $69 billion in 2023, made the announcement on Jan. 29, Reuters reports. Faries will replace Mike Ybarra, who stepped down from the position last week. Ybarra and chief design officer Allen Adham left the company as Microsoft laid off almost 2,000 employees at Activision and Xbox. Matt Cox will assume Faries' previous 'Call of Duty' role. Faries worked for the NFL for over a decade before joining Activision Blizzard in 2018. Her new position will become effective Feb. 5. Faries sent an email to Activision Blizzard employees ahead of her arrival. "It is important to note that Call of Duty’s way of waking up in the morning to deliver for players can often differ from the stunning games in Blizzard’s realm, each with different gameplay experiences, communities that surround them, and requisite models of success." Johanna Faries, incoming Activision Blizzard president, via email to staff. "I’ve discussed this with the Blizzard leadership team and I’m walking into this role with sensitivity to those dynamics, and deep respect for Blizzard, as we begin to explore taking our universes to even higher heights." Johanna Faries, incoming Activision Blizzard president, via email to staff. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT