A group of investors who own less than a percent of Activision Blizzard‘s shares called for the removal of Bobby Kotick from the post of CEO of the company. In addition, they opposed two members of the board.
This became known from a public letter from investors to the board of directors.
The appeal is primarily related to the latest scandal around the company. Recall that yesterday, from an investigation by The Washington Post, it became known that the Cat knew about numerous facts of sexual harassment, sexual violence and gender discrimination in Activision Blizzard, but not only hid them from investors, but also did not work to improve the situation. The last two circumstances are the key reasons why a group of investors demands that the Cat be dismissed from office.
In addition, investors are asking Brian Kelly and Robert Morgado to retire. Both have been holding their seats on the board of directors of the holding for the longest time. The first — since 1995, and the second — since 1997. This requirement is most likely due to the fact that the board of directors of Activision Blizzard yesterday publicly expressed support for Bobby Kotik and the policy he is implementing.
“In light of recent events, it has become clear that the current leadership has proved unable to create a safe working environment. That is, to do the bulk of their work,” said a representative of one of the investor companies. — “Activision Blizzard needs a new CEO, a new board of directors and a new leading independent director with expertise, a set of skills and a desire to really change the company.”
In the event that Kotick, Kelly and Morgado do not resign, investors have threatened that they will not vote for their re-election at the annual shareholders’ meeting scheduled for June next year. Moreover, they intend to actively push this decision in communication with other investors.
The initiator of the dismissal is the SOC Investment Group. The appeal was also joined by the Australian Future Super Fund, Canadian NEI Investments, SHARE, as well as the Australian Verve Super Fund for women. In total, all together they own less than 5 million shares of Activision Blizzard. This is less than 1% of the company’s total shares (779 million shares have been issued so far).