Accomplished entrepreneur Bobby Kotick is most well known for his three-decades-plus tenure as CEO of Activision, where he played a pivotal role in founding Activision Blizzard and making it one of the world’s most successful video game companies. Through his visionary leadership, Kotick transformed the gaming industry while driving Activision’s global expansion and cementing its status as a worldwide leader in home entertainment.

Mr. Kotick became the CEO of Activision in 1991 after purchasing a 25% stake in the then-struggling company. After becoming CEO, Mr. Kotick began strategically reshaping the company to shed its debt. From rapid expansion to achieving sustainable profitability, he refocused the company’s strategy by prioritizing the acquisition of franchise licenses and development studios. The company began to pursue more acquisitions and intellectual property licenses, leading popular franchises such as Tony Hawk, Guitar Hero, and Call of Duty to be created under the Activision banner. These franchises allowed Activision to become a powerhouse within the industry.

By 2007, Mr. Kotick was looking to push Activision even further. He set his sights on Blizzard Entertainment. In 2008, Kotick successfully brokered a merger with Blizzard Entertainment’s parent company, Vivendi Games, resulting in the formation of Activision Blizzard. He continued as CEO of Activision Blizzard until the completion of a sale to Microsoft in late 2023.

Outside of the business world, Mr. Kotick is passionate about philanthropy, which fuels his commitment to various charitable causes. The most notable is The Call of Duty Endowment, a nonprofit that Mr. Kotick co-founded in 2009 to support veterans. The Endowment helps veterans find quality jobs after military service and raises awareness of the value that vets bring to the workforce.

Mr. Kotick is an active board member for several notable organizations. Today, he serves as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Vice Chair of the Board. His lifelong passion for art, which began during his studies of art history at the University of Michigan, continues to shape his contributions to the field.

He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Harvard-Westlake School, a prestigious college preparatory day school in Los Angeles.

Mr. Kotick is also known for his cameo role in the 2011 film Moneyball.

Work: Call of Duty Endowment

Education: University of Michigan

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