Tripwire CEO Steps Down Amid Controversy [Sep 07, 2021, 11:03 am ET] – Share – Viewing Comments
The controversy over
a tweet by
John Gibson supporting the anti-abortion law that recently took effect in
Texas has quickly boiled over. Yesterday it was reported that
developers Shipwright Studios cut ties with the publisher and developer Torn
Banner Studios distanced itself from Gibson's remarks. Now Tripwire itself is
also created its own distance,
announcing that Gibson has "stepped down" (presumably after some coaxing),
and has been replaced by interim CEO Alan Wilson. Tripwire says Gibson's
remarks do not reflect the opinions of the company:
The comments given by John Gibson are of his own opinion, and do not reflect those of Tripwire Interactive as a company. His comments disregarded the values of our whole team, our partners and much of our broader community. Our leadership team at Tripwire are deeply sorry and are unified in our commitment to take swift action and to foster a more positive environment.
Effective immediately, John Gibson has stepped down as CEO of Tripwire Interactive. Co-founding member and current Vice President, Alan Wilson, will take over as interim CEO. Alan has been with the company since its formation in 2005 and is an active lead in both the studio’s business and developmental affairs. Alan will work with the rest of the Tripwire leadership team to take steps with employees and partners to address their concerns including executing a company-wide town hall meeting and promoting open dialogue with Tripwire leadership and all employees. His understanding of both the company’s culture and the creative vision of our games will carry the team through this transition, with full support from the other Tripwire leaders.
I know a lot of people are angry he stepped down, dealing with "freedom" and such.
However, he was the public face of the company, as every CEO is. He can say he was speaking for himself, not the company, but when you're CEO, that's never true. You're always that CEO, especially when you're posting on a twitter profile in which your profile says you're CEO, and the bulk of your posts are related to your job.
Part of the responsibility that comes with that job, and the salary, is not damaging the company. As soon as you say something heavily controversial, particularly one about removing rights and putting a bounty on the heads of many of your employees and consumers, you've stepped beyond your unofficial duties as CEO, potentially violated your fiduciary duties, and have moved into a space where you're now a distraction and no longer capable of doing your job of leading.
People weirdly downplay the detriment of being a distraction. Why is Cam Newton currently unemployed? He's not even putting out controversial opinions, he's just a distraction. Why did Jamie Tartt find it so hard to find a new job despite being one of the best premier league players? Because he was a distraction.
No one wants to deal with a distraction, so distractions get shown the door.
However, he was the public face of the company, as every CEO is. He can say he was speaking for himself, not the company, but when you're CEO, that's never true. You're always that CEO, especially when you're posting on a twitter profile in which your profile says you're CEO, and the bulk of your posts are related to your job.
Part of the responsibility that comes with that job, and the salary, is not damaging the company. As soon as you say something heavily controversial, particularly one about removing rights and putting a bounty on the heads of many of your employees and consumers, you've stepped beyond your unofficial duties as CEO, potentially violated your fiduciary duties, and have moved into a space where you're now a distraction and no longer capable of doing your job of leading.
People weirdly downplay the detriment of being a distraction. Why is Cam Newton currently unemployed? He's not even putting out controversial opinions, he's just a distraction. Why did Jamie Tartt find it so hard to find a new job despite being one of the best premier league players? Because he was a distraction.
No one wants to deal with a distraction, so distractions get shown the door.
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Music for the discerning:
http://www.deathwishinc.com
http://www.hydrahead.com
http://www.painkillerrecords.com
Music for the discerning:
http://www.deathwishinc.com
http://www.hydrahead.com
http://www.painkillerrecords.com
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