Wizards of the Coast president John Hight steps down September 2026

Wizards of the Coast is changing presidents. Hasbro's July 27, 2026 Form 8-K says John Hight will leave the Wizards presidency after roughly two years, then stay on as an advisor while the company searches for a successor.

The SEC timeline

Per Hasbro's filing, Hight remains President of Wizards of the Coast through September 1, 2026. Starting September 2, 2026, he becomes an Advisor reporting to Hasbro's CEO through September 2, 2027 (or earlier if the agreement ends). Duties include transitional work and onboarding the next Wizards president.

During the advisor term, his base salary stays at $800,000. He remains eligible for the fiscal 2026 annual cash bonus under Hasbro's plan, but not a 2027 cash bonus, and he will not get new equity grants in that window. Outstanding long-term awards keep vesting on their existing schedules.

Magic: The Gathering remains central to Wizards' business case

What Wizards said about the business

In a company statement, Wizards thanked Hight for his tenure and said he will keep advising while pursuing other creative and professional work. The statement also stressed continuity for the core tabletop and digital slate:

There is no change to the strength of the Wizards business. Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons continue to perform incredibly well, consistent with our most recent earnings release, and our upcoming 2027 video game slate, including Exodus and Warlock remains on track.

Wizards added that it is running an internal and external search for Hight's successor and will share updates when appropriate.

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Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons is part of the 2027 slate Wizards says remains on track

Exodus is the other named 2027 video game Wizards is standing behind

Why players should care

Hight arrived from Blizzard and oversaw Wizards during a stretch where Hasbro has been rebalancing digital bets around Magic, D&D, and a smaller set of original games. A president transition does not cancel Exodus or Warlock by itself. It does mean a new executive will soon own those roadmaps, plus Magic and D&D product strategy, while Hight helps with the handoff for up to a year.

Confirmed vs open

Confirmed (8-K + company statement)

President role ends September 1, 2026

Advisor role September 2, 2026 through September 2, 2027

Search for successor underway

Company says MTG, D&D, Exodus, and Warlock remain on track

Not named yet

Who replaces Hight

Any product delays tied to the transition

Track Magic and D&D follow-ups on the Magic: The Gathering hub and Dungeons & Dragons hub.