Activision Blizzard executive vice president of corporate affairs, Frances Townsend, has resigned.
Ms. Frances Townsend joined the company in March 2021 and her last day at the company was September 30, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Townsend, a former Security Adviser under US President George W. Bush, will continue to serve as a senior advisor to the Board of Directors and CEO Bobby Kotick, but will no longer be an active member of Activision Blizzard. , a spokesman told the WSJ.
Frances Townsend leaves Activision Blizzard.
In an internal email sent to employees announcing Townsend’s departure, CEO Kotick said that she “has weathered a challenging time with the company, fighting tirelessly and successfully. leadership, trust and loyalty”.
When the lawsuit against Activision Blizzard for harassment and discrimination against women surfaced last year, Townsend was quick to call it “falsification of facts,” adding that it “has released a picture distorted and untrue picture of Activision Blizzard”
More than 1,000 employees at the time called for her to step down from her role as executive sponsor of the ABK Female Employee Network. Townsend is leaving Activision as the company is in the process of being acquired by Microsoft, which is currently under extensive investigation by UK and EU regulators.
Frances Townsend used to work for a US government agency.
Activision Blizzard’s Chief Policy Officer previously faced criticism for his actions following the announcement of the company’s sexual harassment lawsuit, deciding to step down and take on an advisory role to the association. board of directors. According to the report, Townsend opted out of the $68.7 billion deal, which, if completed, would see Microsoft acquire Activision Blizzard and many of its iconic franchises including Call of Duty and Warcraft. , Overwatch, Diablo, etc…
As mentioned earlier, Townsend has been criticized by Activision Blizzard employees and others for her interference practices following the publication of a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard over the allegations. Jen Brewer, Activision Blizzard’s Senior Vice President of Ethics and Compliance, will assume the role of Townsend alongside Luci Altman, Senior Vice President of Corporate Governance.
