Discord Appoints Humam Sakhnini as New CEO - Activision Blizzard Veteran

Discord Announces New CEO as IPO Looms

In the face of speculation regarding a potential Initial Public Offering (IPO), Discord has named Humam Sakhnini, previously Vice Chairman at Activision Blizzard, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

This transition marks the end of Jason Citron’s 13-year tenure as CEO of the platform.

From Gaming Chat to Social Hub

Discord initially gained traction as a communication platform specifically designed for online multiplayer gamers. However, its reach has expanded significantly.

Today, Discord functions as a substantial social media platform, boasting over 200 million monthly active users.

A Return to Gaming Focus

The selection of a new CEO with a background deeply rooted in the gaming industry suggests a strategic prioritization of gaming over broader social networking.

Discord’s official announcement highlighted a renewed emphasis on its “gaming roots” as the company explores avenues for monetization, including advertising and micro-transactions.

Potential Concerns Among Users

The prospect of increased advertising and micro-transactions may not be well-received by the gaming community.

Combined with the anticipated IPO, the appointment of Sakhnini could raise concerns among fans about a shift towards a more commercially driven approach.

Notably, Sakhnini previously served as CEO of King, a mobile gaming developer owned by Activision Blizzard, known for titles like Candy Crush that heavily rely on these monetization strategies.

Citron's Future Plans

While stepping down as CEO, Jason Citron will continue to contribute to Discord as an advisor to the new CEO and as a member of the board of directors.

He expressed a desire to take a respite after leading a rapidly expanding startup for over a decade, and intends to dedicate time to playing several highly anticipated games, including Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Blue Prince, and Baldur’s Gate III.