Activision Blizzard has responded to news of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issuing subpoenas for a number of company executives, including Chief Executive Officer Bobby Kotick.
In a press release crafted to reassure concerned investors, Kotick insisted that he’s trying to make Activision Blizzard the “very best place to work” and is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation despite authorities claiming the contrary.
“We are deeply committed to making Activision Blizzard one of the best, most inclusive places to work anywhere,” said Kotick. “There is absolutely no place anywhere in our Company for discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment of any kind. While we continue to work in good faith with regulators to address and resolve past workplace issues, we also continue to move ahead with our own initiatives to ensure that we are the very best place to work. We remain committed to addressing all workplace issues in a forthright and prompt manner.”
The press release reiterated Activision Blizzard’s goal of having a working environment that’s “inspiring, equitable, and respectful to all.”
“Activision Blizzard has made a number of important improvements including significant changes to personnel, exiting a number of employees, and expanding compliance resources,” we’re told. “In addition, the Company has refreshed its HR organization and, this week, will welcome a new Chief People Officer, Julie Hodges, who joins the Company from The Walt Disney Company. The Company has also expanded training, performance management, and anti-harassment resources.”
The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) recently updated its lawsuit against Activision Blizzard to accuse the company of deliberately destroying material related to its investigation.
