WotC’s President Chris Cocks Levels Up To CEO Of Hasbro
Yesterday Hasbro Inc. named Chris Cocks their incoming chief executive, a big move for the former President of WotC.
Big news for Wizards of the Coast as Hasbro Inc. names Chris Cocks Hasbro’s CEO. Cocks, formerly head of WotC, will take the top job February 22nd. of Brian Goldner’s death this past October.
During Cocks’ tenure at Wizards of the Coast, the division doubled its revenue to over $1 billion in 2021. Cocks also pushed digital gaming to the forefront of WotC’s purview. A recent restructuring meant Wizards of the Coast would expand in that direction.
Cocks has indicated he will follow in Goldner’s footsteps. Goldner’s previous strategy was developing “strong story lines across the company’s brands.” As Cocks told the Wall Street Journal:
“I am humbled to step into the position of CEO at this important time and to build on the strong foundation Brian created.”
In a statement from Hasbro’s current Chair of the Board, the company indicated that Cocks was indeed the way of the future at Hasbro.
“Chris’s appointment marks the culmination of an extensive and thoughtful candidate review and selection process led by the Board. In Chris, we have chosen a leader uniquely positioned to execute and evolve Hasbro’s Brand Blueprint strategy while continuing to generate growth and deliver strong shareholder returns. Chris’s extensive omni-channel experience and proven track record make him the ideal leader for Hasbro as it continues to become the world’s leading play and entertainment company.”
Meanwhile, folks at WotC celebrated the move with hearty congratulations in the nerdiest fashion:
Congratulations to our CEO, Chris Cocks, on reaching 20th level! #wotcstaff
Hasbro Taps Wizards of the Coast Division Chief Chris Cocks as CEO – WSJ https://t.co/54cNsvEoTb
— Christopher Perkins (@ChrisPerkinsDnD) January 6, 2022
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What does this mean for Hasbro’s digital initiative? Will a years-long Magic: the Gathering player mean even more new sets? Perhaps there will be more MtG into D&D crossover books. Whatever the new strategy is, it will likely mean big things for WotC. We’ll have to wait and find out for sure. Cocks will assume the role of Chief Executive on the 22nd of February.
With Cocks pushing Hasbro into the rest of the 2020’s, Wizards of the Coast will soon see new leadership. At press time, Hasbro had yet to name anyone to fill the role left by Cocks, but the company is expected to name a new head Wizard of the Coast in the coming weeks.
