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

Fed Rate Cut In Focus: Is Inflation Too Hot For Powell To Move?

Chris Versace breaks down the mixed inflation and jobs data facing the Fed and what this week’s rate decision could mean for markets and 2027.

How PopSockets Went From A Garage Project To A Household Name

PopSockets founder David Barnett explains how a simple idea became 300 million products, major partnerships and a global phone-accessory brand.

Hollywood’s $4.7 Billion Summer: Is The Movie Business Back?

Seth Schachner, Managing Director at Strat Americas, explains what fueled Hollywood’s $4.7 billion summer and whether movie theaters are truly back.

Trump Makes A Crypto Concession, But The Senate Fight Isn’t Over

President Trump has agreed to new ethics provisions aimed at clearing a major cryptocurrency bill through the Senate.

The Real Cost Of Owning A Car Today

New car owner analysis from Insurify finds drivers spend an average of $5,851 a year on insurance, gas and maintenance alone, separate from financing costs.

Oil Surges As Saudi Arabia Loses A Key Route Around Hormuz

Oil prices are climbing again after Saudi Arabia shut down a critical pipeline that has served as a major alternative route around the Strait of Hormuz.

Canada Makes A Big Pitch For Global Investment

Canada is rolling out the welcome mat for some of the world’s biggest investors as Prime Minister Mark Carney tries to attract billions of dollars.

Ai’s Biggest Names Are Suddenly Saying Slow Down

The AI race is moving so quickly that some of its biggest leaders are now calling for a change of pace.

Meet Clementine: The AI Assistant Turning Grocery Chats Into Ready-To-Buy Carts

Ryan Hamburger, Chief Commercial Officer at Instacart, explains how Clementine uses AI to personalize grocery shopping, build carts, find deals, and save time.

Trade War Showdown: What Trump’s Latest Threats Mean for Canada and the U.S.

Ari Hawkins, Trade Reporter at POLITICO, examines Canada’s retaliation, Trump’s latest trade threats and the potential impact on businesses and consumers.

Load More