Discord co-founder and CEO Jason Citron is stepping down from his role, the company announced in a press release. Citron will remain on the board of directors and serve as an advisor to the CEO, while former Activision Blizzard and King executive Humam Sakhnini takes over as the new CEO, effective April 28th.

In a message shared with employees and posted on Discord's website, Citron explained that he has been reflecting on how he can best contribute to the company's long-term success. "The job of a CEO is constantly evolving, and over the years I have continuously 'hired myself out of a job.' Usually that means delegating work and then taking on different leadership challenges. However, as I look at what is needed of Discord's CEO over the next few years, I realize that it's time for me to literally 'hire myself out of a job,'" Citron said.

Sakhnini, who brings extensive experience in the gaming industry from his previous roles at Activision Blizzard and King, expressed his enthusiasm for joining Discord. "I look forward to working with Stan and Discord's talented team to scale our business while staying true to the company's core mission and the special connection it has with player communities," he said in a statement. Sakhnini also highlighted the significant opportunity for Discord to play a central role in the future of gaming and entertainment.

The leadership shift comes at a time when Discord is reportedly exploring an initial public offering (IPO). In a recent interview with GamesBeat, Citron hinted that the company was taking steps towards going public, but did not provide a specific timeline. The appointment of Sakhnini, with his experience in leading large-scale gaming companies, is seen as a significant step in this direction.

Stanislav Vishnevskiy, Discord's other co-founder, will remain at the company as chief technology officer. The company's core mission and vision are expected to remain unchanged, with a continued focus on building a platform that enables community-driven experiences for gamers and beyond.

The news marks a significant milestone in Discord's journey, which has seen the company grow from a small startup to a leading platform for gaming communities. As the company enters its next phase of growth, the appointment of a new CEO with extensive industry experience is expected to help Discord navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

With Sakhnini at the helm, Discord is poised to continue its growth trajectory, building on its strengths in the gaming industry while exploring new opportunities in entertainment and culture. As the company looks to the future, its commitment to staying true to its core mission and values is expected to remain a key driver of its success.