In a significant leadership shift, Microsoft’s gaming division has welcomed a new chief. Johanna Faries, the former general manager of ‘Call of Duty’, has been appointed as the president of the game publishing unit. This move comes as part of a broader restructuring within Microsoft’s gaming division, following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Faries, who joined Activision Blizzard in 2018 after a decade-long stint at the National Football League (NFL), is set to take up her new role on February 5. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Microsoft’s position in the competitive gaming industry. Faries brings with her a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, particularly with the ‘Call of Duty’ franchise.

In addition to Faries’ appointment, Matt Cox, another key figure in the ‘Call of Duty’ franchise, will serve as the senior vice president and general manager of Call of Duty. This dual leadership is expected to drive the franchise to new heights, leveraging their combined expertise and vision.

The leadership change comes at a time when Microsoft is expanding its gaming portfolio. The tech giant recently completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, adding popular games like ‘Call of Duty’, ‘World of Warcraft’, and ‘Diablo’ to its repertoire. This acquisition marks one of the biggest buyouts in gaming history.

Faries’ appointment and the subsequent restructuring signify Microsoft’s commitment to strengthening its gaming division. It also underscores the company’s focus on delivering high-quality gaming experiences to its growing user base. With Faries at the helm, the future of Microsoft’s gaming division looks promising.

In her email to Blizzard employees, Faries expressed her excitement about joining the team and her commitment to helping Blizzard thrive. Her leadership, coupled with Microsoft’s resources, is set to usher in a new era for the gaming division.