Hasbro Announces Two New Leaders to Join Management Team

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) announced the appointment of two key members of its executive leadership team. John the Tallformer Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Warcraft Series at Blizzard Entertainment, joins the team as President of Wizards of the Coast and Digital GamingHis responsibilities will include overseeing Hasbro’s game studios, digital licensing agreements, and leading strategy for MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS.

Holly Barbacovi returns to Hasbro as HR Directorleading the global Human Resources organization. Previously vice president of HR at Wizards of the Coast and COO at Bungie, Barbacovi will focus on developing a people and culture strategy aligned with Hasbro’s values. These appointments are intended to strengthen Hasbro’s focus on digital experiences and maintain an inclusive work environment as the company transforms.

Positive

Seasoned Gaming Industry Leader John Hight Appointed as President of Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming

Strategic focus on expanding digital offerings and presence in video games

Holly Barbacovi returns to the role of HR Director, bringing with her a wealth of HR experience from the gaming industry

18/07/2024 – 09:00 AM

John Hight Joins Team as President of Wizards of the Coast

Holly Barbacovi joins as HR Director

PAWTUCKET, RI–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), a leading toy and gaming company, today announced the appointment of two leaders to its Executive Leadership Team. John Hight will join as President, Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming, and Holly Barbacovi will assume the role of Chief People Officer.

John Hight (Photo: Business Wire)

John Hight, a gaming industry titan, joins Hasbro as President, Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming. John previously served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Warcraft, at Blizzard Entertainment, overseeing all development and commercial operations for World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Warcraft Rumble. During his 12-year tenure at Blizzard, John led development efforts for multiple World of Warcraft expansions, Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, and Diablo III console games. John’s addition marks a significant step in Hasbro’s strategic focus on digital experiences and video games. As President, John’s role will include oversight of Hasbro’s network of game studios and digital game licensing agreements. He will also lead strategy for MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, while driving the division’s continued global growth and exploring new narrative and digital experiences.

“I admire John’s focus on building community. He truly embodies our mission of bringing people together through play,” said Chris Cocks. “John’s love of D&D and Magic: The Gathering, combined with his leadership in video games, will be instrumental as we expand our digital offerings to deliver what our fans want.”

Holly Barbacovi, a seasoned HR leader, returns to Hasbro as Chief People Officer. In her new role, Holly will lead Hasbro’s global Human Resources organization, overseeing a people and culture strategy grounded in Hasbro’s values of play to attract and retain top talent. Holly previously served as Vice President of Human Resources at Wizards of the Coast from 2016 to 2020. She joins Hasbro from Bungie, where she most recently served as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to her role as COO, Holly was Chief People Officer at Bungie and played a key role in driving a culture that puts people first, driving initiatives that improved employee engagement, career development, diversity, inclusion, and equity. Holly also led Human Resources at Amazon Games and spent over 16 years at Microsoft. Her leadership will ensure Hasbro remains an inclusive global employer as the company transforms.

“I’m thrilled to have Holly back at Hasbro,” said Chris Cocks. “Those who worked with her at Wizards of the Coast will remember her curiosity and bold leadership. Her pragmatic approach to human resources will be invaluable as we continue to develop a dynamic work environment that promotes joy and community.”

About Hasbro

Hasbro is a leading toy and games company with a mission to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and the excitement of play. Hasbro delivers exciting play experiences to fans of all ages around the world through toys, games, licensed consumer products, digital games and services, location-based entertainment, films, television and more. With a portfolio of more than 1,800 iconic brands, including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Hasbro Gaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as leading partner brands, Hasbro connects fans wherever they are, from the table to the screen.

Hasbro is driven by our purpose to create joy and community for all people everywhere, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, and one of the 50 Most Community-Focused Companies in the World US by Civic 50. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com or follow @Hasbro on LinkedIn.

M A C

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240717242929/en/

Investors: KernKapoor | Hasbro, Inc. | [email protected]

Media: Robert Thomson | Hasbro, Inc. | [email protected]

Source: Hasbro, Inc.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the new president of Wizards of the Coast at Hasbro (HAS)?

John Hight has been named the new President of Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming at Hasbro (HAS).

What was John Hight’s background before joining Hasbro (HAS)?

John Hight served as senior vice president and general manager of the Warcraft franchise at Blizzard Entertainment for 12 years.

Who Hasbro (HAS) Named New Chief Human Resources Officer?

Holly Barbacovi has been named the new chief human resources officer at Hasbro (HAS).

What was Holly Barbacovi’s last position before joining Hasbro (HAS)?

Holly Barbacovi’s last position was as COO at Bungie before joining Hasbro (HAS).