MLB Deputy Commissioner Leaves to Head Activision Blizzard Esports

Tony Petitti is leaving Major League Baseball after 12 years to become president of sports and entertainment for the video game and esports company Activision Blizzard Inc. on Aug. 17.

Petitti was one of two deputy commissioners under baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, in charge of business and media. Dan Halem is deputy commissioner for baseball administration and chief legal officer.

Activision Blizzard said Monday that Petitti will report to CEO Bobby Kotick and will oversee esports, consumer products, and film and television.

A graduate of Haverford College, Petitti attended Harvard Law School. He worked for ABC and was executive vice president and executive producer at CBS Sports, then became responsible for the CBS College Sports Network, formerly CSTV. He was hired in April 2008 as president and chief executive officer of the MLB Network, set to launch the following Jan. 1.

As Manfred prepared to succeed Bud Selig as baseball commissioner, Petitti became MLB’s chief operating officer in December 2014. He was promoted to the deputy commissioner role three years later and was in charge of all content and revenue-related operations.

Formed in the 2008 merger of Activision and Vivendi Games, Activision Blizzard has properties including esports' Overwatch League and Call of Duty League.

More In Business

It’s Not Déjà Vu… Inflation Really Could Make a Comeback

As if COVID, interest rates, and sky-high prices aren't stressful enough, one analyst thinks we could be in for a rough decade.

Embark on a Budget-Friendly Adventure With These Affordable Destinations

Nearly 40% of Americans choose travel over financial stability, funding trips on credit and sacrificing other budget line items to take a vacation — because live fast or die trying.

Change is Hard: Disney Shareholders Rebuff Activists Who Sought Company Shakeup

Disney shareholders have rallied behind longtime CEO Robert Iger. They voted Wednesday to rebuff activist investor Nelson Peltz and his ally, former Disney chief financial officer Jay Rasulo.

Save for Retirement While Repaying Student Loans? Finally, Good News for Millennials

Student loan borrowers have the ability to earn retirement funds pegged to their payments – and the company Summer might be bringing it to your workplace.

Buckle Up: Getting Inflation Down Could Take a While

It might not be what investors want to hear… but bringing down inflation could mean interest rates stay higher for (even) longer. But it's not all downside.

Siam Capital is Investing in a Greener Future, One Business at a Time

Siam Capital aims to identify high-impact, sustainable consumer businesses and the influence of consumer choices on sustainability.

We Finally Have More Job Openings! Well, a Few More, Anyway.

U.S. job openings barely changed in February, staying at historically high levels in a sign that the American job market remains strong.

Zapata AI & Andretti Acquisition Merge: Revolutionizing Generative AI

Zapata AI's merger with Andretti Acquisition Corp. has become a pure play on generative AI. CEO Christopher Savoie discussed the merger with Cheddar.

The US and China Don’t Talk Enough. Biden and Xi Hope to Change That.

President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have discussed Taiwan, artificial intelligence and security issues in a call meant to demonstrate a return to regular leader-to-leader dialogue between the two powers.

The Sustainability Revolution Is Inevitable – Here’s Why

April is Earth month, and while the green revolution might feel far away, the founder of climate VC Siam Capital says it’s on it’s way, and, even better: it won't cost you more.

Load More