Activision Blizzard hires new director of diversity

Kristen Hines becomes new Head of Variety in a still very challenging environment at Activision Blizzard.

Activision Blizzard has hired a new Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Kriste Hines will join the company and its management team from 25 April. She will report directly to Julie Hodges, Human Resources Director. Kristen Hines previously led Accenture’s Global DEI, including helping other organizations strengthen their DEI strategies.

Kristen Hynes becomes new director of diversity

One of Kristen Hines’ primary responsibilities will be to help Activision Blizzard meet its commitment to have 50% women and non-binary employees on its payroll over the next five years. In a 2021 presentation paper, the company said that women currently make up 24% of its workforce. Kristen Hynes will also be working with Activision Blizzard’s game teams to “ensure that diversity and inclusion are taken into account in game projects, whether it’s storytelling, character development, gameplay, or community engagement.”

“In an industry with historically underrepresented people, I look forward to leading the company’s efforts to create a work environment that values ​​transparency, fairness and inclusiveness,”Kristen Hines said in a statement. “Video games continue to have incredible potential to bring communities together around the world and showcase heroes with very different stories. I look forward to playing my part in expanding the talent landscape that this experience will bring to all players.”

in a still very challenging environment at Activision Blizzard

Kristen Hynes, in particular, will have to help improve the corporate culture at Activision Blizzard, something that has been especially scrutinized and highlighted since last summer. The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing sued the company last July, accusing it of promoting a “culture of brotherhood”and discrimination against female employees. Last month, the publisher even faced a suicide case, along with complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination.

In March, a judge approved a proposal by Activision Blizzard, currently being acquired by Microsoft for $68.7 billion, to settle out of court against an $18 million federal lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, accuses the company of creating a sexist and discriminatory work environment.