Shareholders jump, shares and heads roll after Activision Blizzard’s sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying lawsuit filed against Activision Blizzard. President J. Allen Brack announced his resignation in a statement, but he does not appear to be the only one who is leaving or has to leave the company during these difficult times. Jesse Meschuk, one of the most important men in the human resources department, is also no longer employed by Activision Blizzard.
Not much fuss about personnel changes
In contrast to Brack’s departure, that of Meschuk went without much fuss. Sure, Meschuk is of course not as elementary in his role as head of the HR department as Brack is as president of the company. Nonetheless, the news that Meshuk is also leaving Activision Blizzard is big news.
Like among other things Axios reported that the HR department was an integral part of the chain of abuse and covered up or ignored reports from employees about abuses in the company. Offenders were protected from consequences and victims were advised against or even threatened with prosecution.
Bloomberg first reported about the farewell to Meshuk. It reads: “A human resources executive, Jesse Meschuk, also left the company this week, according to an Activision Blizzard spokesperson. Meschuk was a senior human resource officer and the main HR representative.” An exit without a stir.
Are you going to say goodbye to Brack and Meschuk?
Whether the president and head of HR will be the only pawns Activision Blizzard sacrifices to win like a game of chess remains to be seen. In any case, CEO Bobby Kotick recently spoke up and assured that there is no place in the company for discrimination, harassment and unequal treatment. He also announcedthat “people will be held accountable for their actions.”
At least the first part of his statement is difficult to take seriously after the allegations listed in the lawsuit and the many statements made by current and former employees. In any case, Activision Blizzard is dissatisfied with Kotick’s current approach.
He recently commissioned the external law firm WilmerHale to investigate and clarify the incidents. Since Activision Blizzard has already worked with WilmerHale, the law firm is accused of bias and Stephanie Avakian, head of the investigation, is also known as being questionable because she is known to lay her protective hands over people in power.
It remains to be seen whether WilmerHale will remain the investigating firm despite the dissatisfaction and whether more heads will roll. In any case, the Activision Blizzard scandal is far from off the table.
Those: Bloomberg