Activision Publishing Names New President, Chairman

Activision, publishers of the Tony Hawk and Spider-Man game series, among many others, has named new management staff in its upper echelons. The company has appointed a new President & CEO of Activision's Publishing unit, as well as a new Chairman, helping oversee this important branch of the larger Activision, Inc. company. Michael Griffith will be the new President and CEO, coming off a long stint at Procter and Gamble, where he oversaw the global beverage division. Griffith will be responsible for Activision Publishing's internal development studios, as well as its publishing decisions. In addition to this, Ron Doornink will be Activision Publishing's new Chairman, moving up from his previous position as the President and CEO. Doornink's new role will have him planning growth strategies for the company, which most recently reported net revenues for the year ending March 31st of an impressive $1,405.9 million, or 48% higher compared to $947.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, with a record $138.3 million in profit. The two positions were named by Robert Kotick, who will continue as Activision Inc's Chairman and CEO, with Brian Kelly as his Co-Chair. Kotick and Kelly have served as Activision's leaders for 14 years now. In relation to the announcement, Kotick commented: "Since 1991, Activision has grown into a $1.4 billion company with record earnings. As we further expand into new geographies and product categories and capitalize on the numerous opportunities provided by the introduction of new platforms and distribution avenues, Mike's track record of building global brands, managing large and complex organizations and successfully improving operating performance during his various assignments at Procter & Gamble will help us to achieve our ambitious plans." He added: "Ron Doornink has been integral to building Activision's market leadership over the past seven years. In this new role, Ron will continue to provide us with guidance and leadership as the company continues to grow."