Activision names new publishing CEO

Eric Hirshberg has been appointed CEO for Activision Publishing.

Hirshberg takes over from Mike Griffith who resigned from the role in April to become vice chairman of Activision Blizzard. He starts from September 7th, 2010, and will report to COO Thomas Tippl.

Hirshberg joins from marketing agency Deutsch LA where he served as CEO and chief creative officer. During his time at Deutsch LA, Hirshberg was instrumental in turning the company into one of the biggest creative firms in the US and worked on campaigns for PlayStation 3, amongst others.

In 2007 he was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement and was named WSAAA Leader of the Year in 2002 and 2006.

At Activision he will be responsible for its studio product development and consumer marketing activities.

"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," said Activision Blizzard boss Bobby Kotick.

"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."

"Eric’s experience helping to develop strategies for his clients like Sony’s PlayStation, Direct TV and HTC have given him unique exposure to video games, subscription-based entertainment and the delivery of mobile content. 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."

Hirshberg added: "I feel like everything I’ve done in my entire career has been preparing me for this. 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."