Holly Barbacovi, the former Chief Operating Officer at Bungie, recently transitioned to Hasbro as their new Chief People Officer, a move announced on July 18, 2024. This career shift has drawn significant attention, particularly due to the timing of substantial layoffs at Bungie that took place today, just two weeks later, on July 31. The coincidence of Barbacovi’s departure and the layoffs has sparked curiosity and speculation among industry insiders and Bungie employees.
During her time at Bungie, Barbacovi led Recruiting, Human Resources, and Employee Experience, which are critical roles for shaping a company’s culture and managing its workforce. Her transition to Hasbro, a key player in the toy and entertainment industry, places her in a similar role that aligns with her expertise in human resources and employee engagement. However, the timing of her move raises questions about whether she knew about the impending layoffs at Bungie or if her departure was a preemptive exit due to internal disagreements or dissatisfaction.
Earlier today, Bungie announced a major round of layoffs affecting a significant portion of its workforce as part of a broader restructuring to adapt to market changes and streamline operations. The suddenness and scale of the layoffs were unexpected, particularly in light of Bungie’s recent success with Destiny 2 and its acquisition by Sony in 2022. This has led to further speculation about a possible connection between Barbacovi’s departure and the layoffs, suggesting either strategic foresight or coincidence.
As the gaming and entertainment industries evolve, the movements of top executives like Barbacovi will remain closely watched, especially when they coincide with major corporate decisions such as layoffs. Regardless of the motivations behind her departure, the situation highlights the delicate balance companies must maintain between leadership, strategic planning, and workforce management, and just how shady many at the top can be.
