Activision has hired Julie Hodges, formerly the senior vice president of corporate HR and compensation, benefits, and talent acquisition at The Walt Disney Company, as its new chief people officer. Hodges, who will replace Activision's current O Claudine Naughton, "will lead all aspects of human resources," ranging from talent acquisition and compensation to "diversity, equity, and inclusion."
"I can't think of a better person to our team and help lead our ongoing commitment to an inclusive workplace," Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said in the announcement. "Julie is the seasoned leader we need to ensure we are the most inspiring, equitable and emulated entertainment company in the world."
Hodges, who spent 32 years at Disney, leaned into similar themes in her own statement, emphasizing the need to "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," she said. "It takes a collective effort to do this, and I’m looking forward to ensuring that we the diversity of our talent to bring our people together and continue creating amazing entertainment."
Activision has good reason to make its diversity and inclusivity efforts as visible as possible. In July, California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed a lawsuit alleging workplace abuse issues of its own.
A rep told Overwatch and World of Warcraft.
The DFEH lawsuit alleges that complaints about pay discrimination and harassment went unaddressed by Blizzard HR, and that the department was "not held in high regard" or trusted by employees. In August, Activision Blizzard's HR department was accused of alleged that Activision Blizzard is committing labor violations, including intimidating, surveilling, and interrogating employees, in order to discourage employees from organizing and discussing workplace conditions.
