Activision’s controversial CCO will step down ahead of Microsoft acquisition VGC Open main menu Lengthy FIFA players MultiVersus characters Disney Dreamlight recipe list First for Video Game News Follow VGC Activision s controversial CCO will step down ahead of Microsoft acquisitionThe former advisor to the Bush administration will remain at Activision Blizzard in an advisory role Video Game News 2nd Oct 2022 / 12:40 pm Posted by Jordan MiddlerActivision Blizzard chief compliance officer Frances Townsend has stepped down from her role at the company, an email from Bobby Kotick has revealed. Bloomberg reports that Townsend has decided to step down ahead of the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, worth almost $70 billion. While Townsend is stepping down, she will act as a senior adviser to the company’s board and chief executive, Bobby Kotick. Campaign Early Access - Backstabbed Modern Warfare IISubscribe to VGC on YouTube Townsend, who previously served as the assistant for homeland security and counterterrorism to President George W. Bush, had been executive vice president for corporate affairs and chief compliance officer at Activision Blizzard since March 2021. In her role she oversaw Activision Blizzard communications, among other corporate functions. However, Townsend found herself under fire in response to the DEFH lawsuit against Activision Blizzard which accused the company of failing to properly address reports of harassment and discrimination. First, she reportedly sent a company-wide email calling it “a truly meritless and irresponsible lawsuit” which “presented a distorted and untrue picture of our company, including factually incorrect, old, and out of context stories”. Her comments, which formed part of Activision Blizzard’s combative response to the lawsuit, contributed to employees staging a walkout in protest of working conditions at the company and a loss of faith in its leadership. Later, Townsend drew significant criticism for using her Twitter account to tweet “the problem with whistleblowing” in a message linking to an Atlantic article on the subject. After being flooded with responses, Townsend reportedly started blocking Activision Blizzard employees on Twitter and later deleted her account. 4 Comments Related VGC Content US PlayStation shipments were reportedly up 400% last month1 hour ago Modern Warfare 2 s PC trailer promises 500 customisation options16 hours ago Phil Spencer could be teasing Xbox s game streaming device in a new office photo19 hours ago Interview How PlatinumGames is betting on Nintendo expertise to shape its future22 hours ago Popular Now on VGC1 Harley Quinn voice actor criticises Chris Pratt Mario casting ‘ It should be Charles’ 2 Phil Spencer could be teasing Xbox s game streaming device in a new office photo3 Modern Warfare 2 will seemingly require a phone number like Overwatch 24 Interview How PlatinumGames is betting on Nintendo expertise to shape its future5 Platinum thinks hiring of Nintendo veteran can take the companies relationship to the next level More Video Game News7 PlayStation Stars might have a hidden invite-only Diamond tierReference to the 5th tier was seemingly found in the PlayStation App1 week ago7 Comments1 US PlayStation shipments were reportedly up 400% last monthPS5 supply appears to be increasing as Christmas approaches1 hour ago1 Comment Overwatch 2 servers down for some as Blizzard removes two heroes temporarilyThe game's rocky launch has caused much fan frustration2 hours ago Key Disco Elysium devs have reportedly ‘ involuntarily’ exited the sequelThe lead writer of the original has left and won't contribute further to the sequel1 week agoBy commenting on this article you agree to adhere to VGC’s community guidelines. Notice: To display comments please allow the use of Functional Cookies in Cookie Preferences.