With the Ubisoft Forward presentation getting underway,
this tweet
clarifies that the allegations of sexual misconduct at the company will not be
addressed during the pre-recorded show. However, they
do announce more departures and further plans for changes resulting from
the scandal. Word is Serge Hascoët, Yannis Mallat, and Cécile Cornet are all no
longer with Ubisoft. Here's the latest:
Today, Ubisoft announced several
significant personnel changes that are a part of the comprehensive work the
Company is doing to improve and strengthen its workplace culture. These
departures come following the initiation of a rigorous review that the Company
initiated in response to recent allegations and accusations of misconduct and
inappropriate behavior.
Serge Hascoët has chosen to resign from his position as Chief Creative Officer,
effective immediately. This role will be taken by Yves Guillemot, CEO and
Co-Founder of Ubisoft, in the interim. During this time, Mr. Guillemot will
personally oversee a complete overhaul of the way in which the creative teams
collaborate.
Yannis Mallat, Managing Director of Ubisoft’s Canadian studios, will be stepping
down from his role and will leave the Company, effective immediately. The recent
allegations that have come to light in Canada against multiple employees make it
impossible for him to continue in this position.
Additionally, Ubisoft will be appointing a new Global Head of HR to replace
Cécile Cornet, who has decided to step down from this role, as she believes it
is in the best interest of the Company’s unity. A search for her replacement
will begin immediately, led by an industry-leading recruiting firm. In parallel,
the Company is restructuring and strengthening its HR function in order to adapt
it to the new challenges of the video game industry. Ubisoft is in the final
steps of hiring a top international management consulting firm to audit and
reshape its HR procedures and policies, as previously announced.
These changes are part of a comprehensive set of initiatives announced to
employees on July 2, 2020. These initiatives are guiding Ubisoft’s renewed
commitment to fostering an environment that its employees, partners and
communities can be proud of – one that reflects Ubisoft’s values and that is
safe for everyone.
“Ubisoft has fallen short in its obligation to guarantee a safe and inclusive
workplace environment for its employees. This is unacceptable, as toxic
behaviors are in direct contrast to values on which I have never compromised —
and never will. I am committed to implementing profound changes across the
Company to improve and strengthen our workplace culture,” said Yves Guillemot,
CEO and Co-Founder of Ubisoft. “Moving forward, as we collectively embark on a
path leading to a better Ubisoft, it is my expectation that leaders across the
Company manage their teams with the utmost respect. I also expect them to work
to drive the change we need, always thinking of what is best for Ubisoft and all
its employees.”