Jean-Bernard Levy to take Activision Blizzard chair

Jean-Bernard Levy, CEO of Vivendi, will replace outgoing Activision Blizzard chairman Rene Penisson in the role, Vivendi has announced.

Penisson, aged 67, is retiring this year following seven years with Vivendi, and Stephane Rousel will fill Penisson's other job at the company by becoming senior executive VP for Human Resources - while Levy will combine the Activision Blizzard chair with his current activities.

Activision Blizzard was formed last year by the merger of Vivendi Games and Activision, with Vivendi retaining majority ownership of the publishing giant.

Activision Blizzard is expected to release strong financial results for the last fiscal year when it reports on Thursday this week.

The company's share price closed yesterday up 1.9 per cent at USD 11.05.