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Since countless accusations of misogyny and sexual misconduct broke last August, Blizzard has been working to improve its toxic culture. Jessica Martinez has now been hired to oversee the transition towards a ‘more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.’
Blizzard has taken a PR battering in recent years, and rightfully so.
While the company has had no qualms about disregarding the gaming community in favour of maximum profits over the last decade, the lawsuits that continue to crop up today are a whole different kettle of fish.
As you’ll no doubt have heard by now, a two-year investigation back in August 2021 outed Blizzard for severely mismanaging and mistreating female employees. We previously covered the story in great depth.
Exposing a horrific ‘frat boy’ culture that normalised sexual harassment and gender discrimination, the leak culminated in waves of lawsuits, mass staff protests, and ultimately a complete shake-up of leadership with new executives continuing to arrive.
Since being acquired by Microsoft for a record $68bn deal in January, Blizzard President Mike Ybarra has worked to fill roles specifically focused on changing company values for the better. Two of these have now been filled.
Last month, Kristen Hines became Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, and this week Blizzard has announced Jessica Martinez as its first Vice President, Head of Culture.
She is credited with 14 years of experience in ‘leading strategy, communications, operations, and employee experience’ at Disney resorts.
