WINNER – Technology
Mike Morhaime
co-founder, president and CEO
Blizzard Entertainment Inc.
In February 1991, Michael Morhaime co-founded Blizzard Entertainment Inc. with Allen Adham and Frank Pearce. Morhaime, who now leads the company as president and CEO, has grown the company from a third-party development studio into a premier publisher of entertainment software, including 13 top-selling games and numerous “game of the year awards.”
Blizzard’s success under Morhaime’s leadership has helped transform the company into a global enterprise, with offices in North America, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Over the past 20 years, Morhaime has navigated Blizzard through changes in corporate ownership and has managed the growth of the company from its three original founders to more than 4,000 employees worldwide.
In the face of all the changes, Morhaime has helped maintain and foster the company’s fiercely independent and dynamic culture.
Blizzard’s leadership has provided a foundation for the company’s innovative products and services, such as Battle.net and “World of Warcraft,” which have revolutionized the gaming industry and have entertained millions of players around the world.
Blizzard operates with a very simple mission statement: To create the most epic entertainment experiences ever. The company’s mission is foremost in the hearts and minds of its developers as they continue to build some of the industry’s most beloved and award-winning franchises.
Blizzard is a developer-driven company — and that philosophy differentiates Blizzard from other publishers. As a development team finishes one project, it collaborates with the executive team on the next game.
By including the development teams in the decisionmaking process, the net result is a team of developers who are passionate about their work.
It’s that sense of ownership that helps develop quality games.
HOW TO REACH: Blizzard Entertainment Inc., www.blizzard.com
