Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot recently sent an internal letter to all employees addressing ongoing investigations into allegations of workplace misconduct.
“The situations that some of you have experienced or witnessed are not absolutely acceptable,” Guillemot wrote. “No one should feel harassed or disrespected at work, and the kinds of inappropriate behavior we have recently learned cannot and will not be tolerated.”
“For those of you who have spoken or supported your colleagues, I want to be clear: You are heard and you are helping to drive the necessary changes within the company.”
Guillemot proceeded to outline specific measures that Ubisoft is implementing to mitigate future harassment at the company.
“Specifically, I have decided to review the composition of the Editorial Department, transform our human resource processes and improve the responsibility of all managers on these issues,” wrote Guillemot. He also stated that the company appointed an official Head of Culture for the Workplace, in addition to implementing weekly listening sessions for employees and continuing its ongoing investigations into the allegations.
“Once again, I want to express my appreciation to those of you who have had the courage to speak,” Guillemot concluded. “Please know that my door is always open to you if you wish to express your concerns directly to me.”
“We have a lot to accomplish, and I am determined to make this change happen.
Ubisoft is also preparing to launch an anonymous online tool for staff to report abuse, harassment and sexism in the company.
In an email sent to VG247, it was also confirmed that Maxime Beland, Editorial Vice President, officially resigned from his position at Ubisoft. Despite this, the company is still investigating the allegations made against it.
Tommy François, Vice President Editorial and Creative Services, has also “been placed on disciplinary leave pending the outcome of an investigation.” Another employee at the company’s Toronto study was “fired for engaging in behaviors that do not align with what is expected of Ubisoft employees.” Other investigations are still open and will “be carried out rigorously.”
The email concludes with a statement that says, “Ubisoft will not tolerate misconduct in the workplace and will continue to take disciplinary action against anyone who engages in harassment, discrimination and other behavior that violates our Code of Fair Conduct.”
