Spencer Neumann, Chief Financial Officer of Activision Blizzard has departed the video game company in favour of joining Netflix as its new CFO, replacing David Wells.
It has been reported that Activision Blizzard put Neumann on paid leave, though no specific reason has been given for his firing beyond “violating his legal obligations to the Company.”
Earlier today, Activision Blizzard re-appointed Dennis Durkin as its CFO, the position he held at the company from early 2012 to mid 2017. Prior to this change, he served as its CCO.
Neumann discussed his new position: “Netflix is a singular brand, and I’m excited and honored for the opportunity to work with the Netflix team and all of our stakeholders to build on the company’s exceptional track record of success and innovation.”
Neumann boarded Activision Blizzard as its CFO in May 2017. Prior to that, he progressed through the ranks at The Walt Disney Company – most recently serving as CFO and Executive Vice President of Global Guest Experience at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. From 2005 to 2012, he worked at Providence Equity Partners and Summit Partners.
Reed Hastings, CEO of Netflix spoke on the hire: “Spencer is a stellar entertainment executive and we’re thrilled that he will help us provide amazing stories to people all over the world. I also want to again say thank you to David Wells, on behalf of the company and our shareholders, for his invaluable contributions at Netflix over the past 14 years.”
Esports Insider says: Losing a key member of the company – whether through a firing or not – is a big deal, but it’s good to see that Activision Blizzard had an experienced, familiar alternative to turn to. Without knowing the details of Neumann’s firing it’s hard to make a true judgement on the change from the outside, but it’s fair to say that Durkin will have a lot on his plate.