Advertising exec takes CEO role at Activision Publishing

Activision Publishing has appointed Eric Hirshberg as its new chief executive officer, effective September 7, managing studio, product development and marketing, and taking over the role vacated by Mike Griffith.

Although without direct games experience, Hirshberg is a veteran of the advertising industry, having spent 13 years at Deutsch LA, working closely with clients including Sony PlayStation, Direct TV and HTC.

"In contemplating the requirements for the role of Activision Publishing's new CEO we believed it was vital to have a leader who was a dedicated gamer, inspired creative thinker, and possessed the ability to manage and lead creative talent in a manner that produced both superior products and provided superior shareholder returns," commented Robert Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard.

"Eric is unique in this regard. There was no one we could find who possessed the unique blend of skills that Eric brings to Activision."

He added: "I have known him for a long time and Eric is one of those rare multi-talented people who managed to build a billion dollar business from the ground up in a difficult, competitive industry using his creative skills, passion for excellence, discipline and focus. He is one of the most inspiring people I know and I am excited that his energy, determination, and keen understanding of popular culture will be added to our extraordinarily talented team."

"I feel like everything I've done in my entire career has been preparing me for this," added Hirshberg. "This is a chance to take everything I know how to do, from leading creative people, to developing a great creative product, to building a culture of ideas, and apply them to something I've been passionate about my entire life. Activision has a portfolio of properties, and track record of innovation that are second to none. To be able to help write the next chapter is the opportunity of a lifetime."