The CEO of Ubisoft, a French video game publisher whose several executives are accused of sexual assault and harassment, announced Friday that a vice-president had resigned and that another had been dismissed for "inappropriate behavior" . In a message to the 18,000 employees of the group worldwide, Yves Guillemot said that Maxime Beland, vice-president "Editorial" based in Toronto (Canada), had resigned "with immediate effect" . "However, we are continuing our investigation into the allegations against him," said the CEO.
Read also: Faced with reports of harassment, Ubisoft promises "profound changes"
In addition, Tommy François, vice-president "Editorial and creative services" based in Paris, was "placed on protective leave, pending the conclusions of the investigation concerning him" , according to this message including AFP got a copy. Another employee from the Toronto studio was dismissed "for having behaved contrary to what Ubisoft expects from his collaborators" , reveals Yves Guillemot without further details. "Other investigations are continuing, and will be carried out with all the required rigor , " promises the leader. "We cannot tolerate inappropriate behavior in the workplace and we will continue to take disciplinary action against anyone who exhibits harassing behavior, discrimination or any other attitude that violates our Code of Conduct."
Read also: Ubisoft opens internal investigations after accusations of violence and sexual harassment in its studios
The day before, Yves Guillemot had promised his employees a “structural change” within the company following this affair. The publisher, one of the world's heavyweights in the sector, announced internal investigations last week, as testimonies on sexism and attacks on women in this very masculine environment multiplied. "I want to tell those who have spoken or who supported colleagues: you heard and you are helping to drive the necessary changes within the company," added the CEO, promising " fundamental changes" put implemented "very quickly, at all levels" . “We are not aiming for margin adjustments. What we want to implement is a structural change within Ubisoft, fully in line with our values which do not tolerate toxic behavior and ensure that everyone feels safe to express themselves, " insisted the CEO in his message.
