Discord appoints Humam Sakhnini as new CEO after Jason Citron steps down
- Jason Citron steps down as CEO of Discord, replaced by Humam Sakhnini.
- Citron will remain on the board and serve as an advisor.
- The leadership change comes amid discussions for a possible IPO.
In the United States, Discord has made significant changes to its executive leadership as co-founder and CEO Jason Citron steps down from his role. This transition is officially announced on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, marking a strategic shift for the company. Humam Sakhnini, former Vice Chairman of Activision Blizzard, is set to take over as Discord's new CEO and will also join the company's board. Citron's departure from day-to-day operations suggests a desire to bring fresh leadership perspectives and is possibly aligned with the company's future growth strategies. Jason Citron, who co-founded Discord in 2012, stated that he felt it was the right time to step away from his executive role. In a memo to employees, he shared his belief in the company's strong direction, its new business lines, and the passion from users that has made Discord a vital player in online communications since its pivot from gaming studio to messaging platform in 2015. His comments reflect a sense of confidence in the organization's ongoing work culture and its achievements. Sakhnini's extensive experience in the video game industry, spanning 15 years, positions him to lead Discord into its next chapter. At Activision Blizzard, he was instrumental in overseeing famous game franchises, such as World of Warcraft and Call of Duty. Citron expressed confidence in Sakhnini's capabilities to continue growing Discord and emphasized that his leadership would align with the company's mission and vision. This executive change occurs as media reports indicate that Discord has engaged with investment bankers to explore potential initial public offering (IPO) opportunities. While the company refrained from confirming this speculation, it remains focused on enhancing user experience and establishing a sustainable business. As Discord prepares for potential expansion, the transition in leadership could serve as a pivotal moment as the organization gears up for the challenges and opportunities ahead.