Activision Blizzard has announced Johanna Faries will now oversee Call of Duty esports as the Head of Product. Faries will take control of the CoD’s esports division, functioned as the Call of Duty World League. The announcement states Faries will oversee strategic leadership, business operations and product development for the CWL.
Faries stated: “To join a world class organization like Activision Blizzard in this role is as exciting as it is an honor. With esports exploding in popularity, there is no doubt that Call of Duty is well positioned to be a major force in shaping the future of professional competition as we know it.”
Faries has spent over a decade in the National Football League, ranging from titles like Manager of Sponsorship Marketing & Sales up to Vice President of Club Business Development.
Pete Vlastelica, President and CEO of Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues said: “The addition of Johanna to our leadership team demonstrates our commitment to maintaining a world class organization with the objective of further expanding our shared vision in esports. Johanna has a proven track record throughout her tenure with the NFL of leading key business initiatives and driving fan engagement. She is a great addition to our organization and I look forward to working with her in her new role.”
Call of Duty Esports has steady growth recently as featured in a recent Stream Hatchet assessment. The release of Black Ops 4 has also caused a fair bit of buzz with the announcement of not only a new 5v5 format for the CWL but a $6m prize pool, the largest in Call of Duty history. As with growth it also brings the debate of the possibility of franchising similar to that of the Overwatch League and the LCS.
Esports Insider says: Talent and knowledge from the traditional sports industry carried over to esports is something invaluable lately as various league begin to develop and evolve. The resume from Mrs. Faires is extensive with such a focus on fan and player development, she can only contribute good things to Blizzard and the future of Call of Duty esports.