Tony Petitti, head of sports and entertainment at Activision Blizzard, has reportedly stepped down

Tony Petitti, president of sports and entertainment at Activision Blizzard, is stepping down from his position according to a report from The Esports Observer. The former MLB executive joined the video game company around a year ago, in August of 2020. Before his jump into esports, Petitti worked as the MLB’s chief operating officer and deputy commissioner of business and media.

“Activision Blizzard and Tony Petitti, President of Sports and Entertainment, have parted ways. In connection with Tony’s departure, we may invest in a venture which is unrelated to esports, but cannot share details at this time,” an Activision Blizzard Esports spokesperson told the publication.

New Activision Blizzard esports leader to replace Tony Petitti

In his place, Activision Blizzard will instill Brandon Snow, its current chief revenue officer of brand, media & esports partnerships. Snow also has a traditional sports background. He worked in New York for the NBA as a senior vice president and in China as a part of the league’s global marketing partnership before his move to Activision Blizzard in 2018.

Activision Blizzard recently went through a massive set of layoffs to its esports ventures in 2020. Petitti told The Esports Observer in March of 2021 he felt hopeful for the future of Activision Blizzard esports ventures, specifically the Call of Duty League and the Overwatch League.

“The company and the team are really optimistic that we’ve got something here and can continue to grow both,” Pettiti told the publication. “There’s nothing but optimism and a sense that growth is going to be achieved.”

There is no word on how this will impact the company’s esports plans, or if anything will substantially change for its two leagues.

“We remain committed to the future of esports and being a leading player in this growing industry,” an Activision Blizzard Esports spokesperson told The Esports Observer.

This story is ongoing.