It has been rough for Ubisoft the past few weeks as the company has been hit with many sexual harassment and toxic culture allegations. Now, three of the company’s top executives have stepped down from their roles.
Chief Creative Officer, Serge Hascoët, Ubisoft Canadian studios head, Tannis Mallat, and Global Head of HR, Cécile Cornet, are the three executives who have stepped down “following the initiation of a rigorous review that the company initiated in response to recent allegations and accusations of misconduct and inappropriate behavior”, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz.
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According to a report in the French newspaper, Liberation, Hascoët was specifically named in “playing a central role in the company’s culture problems, with one source saying the executive has ‘the most toxic behavior in the whole business.'”
Yves Guillemot, CEO and founder of Ubisoft, will be filling Hascoët’s role on an interim basis, while there have been no replacements annoucned for Mallat or Cornet.
Mallat has already left his role as “the recent allegations that have come to light in Canada against multiple employees make it impossible for him to continue in this position.” One of these employees is Ashraf Ismail, former creative director on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, who left after impropriety allegations.
Cornet left her position, saying she “believes it is in the best interest of the Company’s unity.” Their search for a replacement is focusing on “restructuring and strengthening its HR function in order to adapt it to the new challenges of the video game industry.”
As of now, Mallat and Hascoët will be leaving the company altogether, with Cornet changing positions.
Yves Guillemot gave his own statement on the situation:
“Ubisoft has fallen short in its obligation to guarantee a safe and inclusive workplace environment for its employees,” said Ubisoft CEO and co-founder Yves Guillemot. “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. 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.”
Despite the accusations and change-ups, Ubisoft is still hosting its Ubisoft Forward Event, where it will discuss Valhalla, Far Cry 6, Watch Dogs Legion, and more.
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