Microsoft is evaluating the work of the top management of Activision Blizzard and how they are handling the harassment allegations, so as to determine who should remain in office once the acquisition is completed.
At least that’s what Microsoft president Brad Smith said in an interview with CNBC that the company wants to improve Activision Blizzard’s internal culture and make sure only the right people remain in office after the acquisition. .
“If there’s one thing we’ve learned about dealing with problems like sexual harassment or almost any cultural problem, it’s that it takes a combination of commitment and humility. You have to work to make things better,” Smith said.
“We are looking at Activision Blizzard’s leadership team for making culture and safety at work a top priority every single day, until the day when it is hoped that this agreement will end. And then we’ll take over and we’ll have to keep the same commitment. But I also think humility is important. The day you think you have reached the finish line, the day you think you can declare victory, is probably the day you sacrifice the same values you hope to promote. ”
Later, CNBC asked if “take over” means create a new management team for Activision Blizzard. Smith’s response was:
“Well, what we said to each other is that there will be some aspects that will change, but it will be one new team that will work together,” says Smith. “Above all we want to see the evolution of the culture within Activision Blizzard and how people will behave from now until the day the acquisition is closed, assuming it is approved, and then we can make sure we have the right people in the right position“.
To which the interviewer retorted with “it looks like people will be posed to a thorough examination“And according to the words of the president of Microsoft, apparently that’s what will happen.
“I think we should all live in a world where we are under scrutiny,” Smith replies. “I mean the world is changing, I think for the most part in the positive. It’s just another example of where we will best serve our employees if we take the opportunity to make changes.”
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has caused a lot of discussion in the past few weeks and will have a major impact on the future of the industry. However, as confirmed by the Redmond giant, Call of Duty and the other brands of the Irvine house will also be multi-platform in the future.
