Hasbro’s CEO Just Took Direct Control of Magic and D&D
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks has assumed direct oversight of Wizards of the Coast, the studio responsible for Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, following a significant leadership transition. John Hight, who served as president of Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro’s Digital Gaming division, officially departed on September 1, 2026, according to an SEC filing disclosed on July 27. His departure came less than a week after Hasbro’s latest earnings call.
Hight will remain available in an advisory capacity for one year following his departure, but Hasbro has not yet announced a successor or identified an interim president to lead Wizards of the Coast. The lack of immediate replacement raises questions about the strategic direction of the company’s major franchises, including how Hasbro plans to manage Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and Wizards of the Coast’s video game portfolio during this transition period.
The shift represents a significant change in corporate structure for Hasbro, which has faced challenges in recent years across its gaming divisions. Cocks’ direct assumption of control suggests the parent company is prioritizing immediate oversight of its most valuable gaming properties during the leadership gap.