Disputed Activision CEO Bobby Kotick might earn $375 million as a result of the Microsoft deal

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Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, quite possibly receives a $375 million bonus if the company's sale to Microsoft is completed. The game publisher is best known for the Call of Duty series, but has recently been in the press for misogyny and workplace misbehavior. Kotick would have been aware of it.



Kotick stands to earn hundreds of millions of dollars as a result of the Microsoft transaction. In October of last year, the CEO requested a compensation reduction from the board of directors until the company's issues with sexual harassment and discrimination are rectified. Activision Blizzard will be acquired by Microsoft for over $69 billion, the largest transaction in the history of the game business.

Kotick will continue to lead the game company, but it is unclear what will happen after the acquisition is complete. Bloomberg News and The Wall Street Journal anticipate him resigning as CEO. In mid-November, The Wall Street Journal reported on sexual misconduct charges against Activision Blizzard, stating that Kotick had been contacted. The American business newspaper cited interviews, internal emails, and other internal papers, among other sources. The CEO was made aware of the abuses in 2016 and 2017. The Wall Street Journal also reported on cases against Kotick. The CEO's resignation was then demanded by a number of Activision Blizzard employees.

The company has disputed the charges, and the board of directors has affirmed its support for Kotick. Activision believes that firing Kotick would cost up to $265 million. The CEO owns roughly 400,000 shares of the company.

Microsoft reportedly reached out to Activision to provide support during a tough period and to address concerns about the game publisher's treatment of women. Microsoft would also have signaled an interest in acquisitions during those meetings.

Disputed Activision CEO Bobby Kotick might earn $375 million as a result of the Microsoft deal


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