Discord appoints former Activision Blizzard exec Humam Sakhnini as CEO

Discord has appointed former Activision Blizzard Vice Chairman Humam Sakhnini as CEO amid rumors of an impending IPO. Co-founder Jason Citron will step down from his CEO role after thirteen years with the company.

Originally known as a platform for online gamers, Discord has evolved into a popular social media platform with over 200 million monthly active users.

The decision to bring in a CEO from the gaming industry suggests that Discord is focusing more on gaming than social networking. The company is exploring revenue opportunities through advertising and micro-transactions, emphasizing its gaming roots.

However, some gamers are concerned about the company’s shift towards profit-driven strategies with the appointment of Sakhnini and the upcoming IPO. Sakhnini’s background as CEO of King, a mobile gaming developer known for games like Candy Crush, raises questions about Discord’s future direction.

Citron will continue to be involved with Discord as an advisor to the CEO and a member of the board of directors. After years of leading a rapidly growing startup, Citron plans to take a break and indulge in playing games like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Blue Prince, and Baldur’s Gate III.