Blizzard has recruited Jessica Martinez for the newly created position of Vice President, Head of Corporate Culture. After 14 years at The Walt Disney Company, where she held various senior positions in strategy, communications and employee experience. The company says it has “[créé] a values-based culture that connects international teams and celebrates diversity“.
She will work with management on various projects to improve the company’s workplace and revamp its training programs. The appointment comes as part of an effort to address toxicity issues at Blizzard following allegations of harassment, abuse and discrimination last year.
Most of the specific allegations focused on personnel and events within Blizzard. According to some reviews of the co-founder and former CEO Mike Morhaimealong with other members of management, were made aware of widespread misconduct within the company.
Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, the studio’s president, J. Allen Brack, left the company after 15 years and was replaced by co-directors Mike Ybarra and Jen Oneal. The task will be difficult for Martinez. There’s no doubt she’ll need to rely on her experience at Walt Disney to clear the air and restore confidence in the studio.
