Blizzard Co-Lead Jen Oneal Stepping Down At End Of The Year

Activision Blizzard has seen a dramatic shift since the California suit regarding the toxic workplace culture. A second major shift occurred at the quarterly earnings call. Jen Oneal was named co-lead for Blizzard along with Mike Ybarra a few month ago. She will be leaving the company at 2021. 

In a letter posted on Blizzard’s website, Jen Oneal explains the leadership situation moving forward as well as where she will be off to next.

“It is my personal decision to leave Blizzard Entertainment as the co-leader. I will take a different position at ABK until the end of this year. Effective immediately, Mike Ybarra will lead Blizzard.”

Oneal clarified that she’s not (at least publicly) leaving the company due to lawsuits, investigations and the environment. “I am doing this not because I am without hope for Blizzard, quite the opposite–I’m inspired by the passion of everyone here, working towards meaningful, lasting change with their whole hearts.” The inspiration given is to work to “explore how I can do more to have games and diversity intersect, and hopefully make a broader industry impact that will benefit Blizzard (and other studios) as well.” 

Jen Oneal worked as the director of Vicarious Visions Studios before she was appointed co-lead for Blizzard. Oneal stated that the studio was in great hands with Ybarra as the helm.

“I wanted to tell the Blizzard community this personally because I want you to know I believe so strongly in Mike and the rest of Blizzard’s leadership both in terms of Blizzard’s culture and Blizzard’s games. Blizzard’s best days are ahead. This is something I truly believe in. This letter is also intended to encourage you to consider what you can do for everyone you meet, regardless of their race or gender. 

Two of Blizzard’s most important projects were announced in the investor conference as being delayed from their expected launches next year.