Blizzard has appointed Johanna Faries as its new president.

In an email to staff – posted on the company's website – Faries said that she was starting this new position on February 5th. She initially joined Activision Blizzard as commissioner of Call of Duty esports in 2018, before being promoted to senior vice president and head of the company's Leagues business.

At the start of 2021, she rose to GM of Call of Duty.

"I want to let you know immediately that it is an honor to join you next week in this new capacity," Faries wrote.

"I do so humbly and in awe of all that Blizzard has stood for and delivered to the world for over thirty years. Today also brings some mixed emotions. The loss of talented teammates in recent days is hard to hold side-by-side with the immense excitement I feel about joining Blizzard – and building on the momentum you’ve created for Blizzard’s next chapter."

She continued: "I am committed to doing everything I can to help Blizzard thrive, with care and consideration for you and for our games, each unique and special in their own right. I’m optimistic about our ability to serve our current and future player communities, and to further amplify the shared passion for greatness, polish, and creative mastery that is a hallmark of Blizzard’s approach to game-making."

Faries replaces Mike Ybarra, who announced his departure from the company last week.