Maxime Béland, former creative director and editorial vice president of Ubisoft Toronto, has resigned from his post following the assault allegations posted on social media. A Kotaku report, released Monday, details the allegations against Béland.
Ubisoft confirmed Béland’s resignation in a statement emailed to Polygon:
Maxime Beland, Editorial Vice President, resigned from his position at Ubisoft, with immediate effect. Despite his resignation, we continue to investigate the allegations made against him. In addition, as of yesterday, Tommy François, vice president of editorial and creative services, was placed on disciplinary leave pending the outcome of an investigation. Another individual in our Toronto study was fired for engaging in behaviors that do not align with what is expected of Ubisoft employees. Other investigations are ongoing and will be carried out rigorously.
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.
Kotaku spoke to 12 current and former employees about Béland and the Ubisoft culture, which sources described as “normalizing[ing] sexism and harassment “and” undervaluation[ing] contributions of women. “He also spoke to the woman who had alleged that Béland” put his hands around her neck and squeezed her. “Béland’s wife, Rima Brek, was also reportedly acting acting head of human resources. Kotaku’s report, inaction on the part of Ubisoft HR appeared to be a continuing structural problem at the company.
On July 2, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot posted a letter on the company’s website that was sent to employees. In the letter, titled “Change Starts Today,” Guillemot said that “it would review the composition of the Editorial Department, transform our human resource processes, and improve the responsibility of all managers on these issues.” He detailed the steps the company will take to address cultural issues, including appointing a Head of Culture for the Workplace and investigating all allegations.
