Activision To Fire CFO, Spencer Neumann – Pretty Normal Thing To Do Actually

There’s a little bit of surprise as Activision Blizzard has announced it’s putting its Chief Financial Officer, Spencer Neumann on paid leave preparatory to terminating him – this is actually a pretty normal thing for a company to do. Not firing the CFO, that’s common enough but not actually normal, but in the circumstances there shouldn’t be any great surprise here. Someone at the C-Suite level is privy to all of the detailed strategic information of how the company is doing and what it’s going to try doing next. If it becomes obvious that they’re going to be leaving then they do pretty much get cut out of all those conversations.

Further, if they’re not taking part in them why have them around? This is before we even get to the idea that perhaps the company doesn’t want someone who is leaving to be entirely up to date with future plans.

So, if Neumann was already leaving the thought that he’s hurried on his way out the door isn’t all that shocking:

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]A source close to the issue has said that this all occurred after Netflix had poached Neumann to take on the role as CFO at the streaming company. Neumann also worked at Disney prior to coming on as CFO at Activision Blizzard. As of yet, Activision Blizzard has not made any comments on such reports.[/perfectpullquote]

Gossip of course, even if informed such. But that would be a reasonable and valid explanation. If he’s off to pastures new then why have him around in such a role in the interim?

There are industries which are much more brutal than this. Work on any banking trading floor for example. Declare that you’re leaving and you’ll be escorted from the building without even a chance to pick up your favourite pen set from your desk. You’re out, out, out, and your possessions will be delivered in a cardboard box to you. C-Suites aren’t that bad these days but the idea that if you’re going, go now, is reasonable enough.