A timeline that will help clarify some things:
— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) August 3, 2021
2007-2008: Activision and Vivendi Games/Blizzard merge. Blizzard largely left autonomous.
2013: Bobby Kotick buys out Vivendi and seizes total control of Activision Blizzard. Soon begins installing his own lieutenants at Blizzard