Activision Blizzard appoints new diversity officer

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

The company has appointed a new diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, as it continues to struggle under the weight of multiple PR disasters regarding sexual harassment and union busting.

I am excited to join a company that is making progress on its ambitious goals and is focused on DEI.

The company needs all the help it can get. The company acknowledged last year that its legal troubles have impacted its ability to recruit and retain employees, while a breakdown of the company's representation data showed women make up 24 percent of the company. The high-profile departure of Jen Oneal after only three months, amid reports she was offered less pay than her male co-lead, Mike Ybarra, adds to that.

The executive leadership team of the company will be led by Hines, who previously worked for the info technology firm. She will be responsible for helping the company hit its diversity goals as well as ensuring that diverse and inclusive perspectives are included in game design.