Frances Townsend Reportedly Steps Down as Activision Blizzard Compliance Chief

Frances Townsend is stepping down as Activision Blizzard’s chief compliance officer as the company looks to close its deal with Microsoft, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Townsend, who also serves as executive vice president of corporate affairs, leaves the role after two years and will act as an adviser to the Activision Blizzard board and CEO Bobby Kotick.

Per Bloomberg, Jen Brewer, the senior vice president of ethics and compliance, and Luci Altman, the senior vice president of corporate governance, will fill Townsend’s role.

"Fran did a truly exceptional job — actually four jobs — with continuously increasing responsibilities and the most exemplary work ethic," Kotick wrote in an email according to Bloomberg. "Fran also has done an extraordinary job enhancing the strong governance and compliance programs we have throughout the Company."

Townsend, a former counter-terrorism adviser for U.S. President George W. Bush's White House and a general council for MacAndrews & Forbes, drew scrutiny in 2021 while playing a central role in Activision Blizzard's response to sexual harassment allegations.

In the wake of news breaking regarding the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing lawsuit's over the company's reported culture of sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination, Activision Blizzard released a statement calling it, "irresponsible behavior from unaccountable State bureaucrats."

Meanwhile, leaders within the company offered mixed messages in internal communications. In an email to Activision staff, Townsend called the lawsuit "distorted" and "factually incorrect."

Weeks later, Townsend stepped down as an executive sponsor of the ABK Women's Network. Kotick ultimately took responsibility for the incident, saying Townsend shouldn’t be blamed.