Posted in: Games, Ubisoft, Video Games | Tagged: Cécile Cornet, Serge Hascoët, ubisoft, Yannis Mallat

Multiple Ubisoft Executives Out Due To Misconduct Allegations

Published Sat, 11 Jul 2020 21:40:43 -0500

Big news out of Ubisoft today as it has been revealed multiple executives have been removed from the company due to misconduct allegations. The news broke after word came out through the company that Serge Hascoët resigned as the company's CFO, as well as the head of the company's Canadian studio Yannis Mallat, and the company's global head of HR Cécile Cornet. According to multiple sources, the move has come after more allegations were published in the French publication Libération, which went into much greater detail than what's officially been released to the public by the company. What's more, Kotaku managed to obtain an internal memo, which we have for you below, which addresses the releases from the company's CEO, Yves Guillemot.

Based on the many reports coming out tonight, it sounds like the company is not done following up on allegations made by staffers. Meaning we could see more people resign or be terminated over the coming weeks. Ubisoft will be holding their livestream event Ubisoft Forward tomorrow afternoon, and as of the time we're writing this, there's no word as to whether the company will address what is happening in the video or will simply keep the presentation to games.

In my last message to you, I laid out a series of initiatives that are guiding us as we begin making significant changes within Ubisoft. I also committed to looking across our entire organization, at all levels and geographies, to determine where and how we have fallen short in our guarantee to provide a safe and inclusive workplace environment for all of you. Over the past few weeks, I have been engaged in this rigorous review, and today I want to let you know of some important personnel changes that are a part of reshaping the way we work together.

Serge Hascoët has chosen to resign from his position as Chief Creative Officer, effective immediately. Serge's decision comes after in-depth discussions we have had together. Following these conversations, I believe, and Serge agrees, that now is the right time for a change. I will take on the CCO role temporarily as we work to define and organize the leadership of the Editorial Department. During this time, I will also personally oversee a complete overhaul of the way in which this team works. My goal is to create an inclusive and open culture that embraces more diverse and multidisciplinary expertise. I will communicate more details about these changes in due course.

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, I will be appointing a new Global Head of HR to replace Cécile Cornet, who has decided that it is in the best interest of the company's unity for her to step down from her role as Global Head of HR. This search will begin immediately, and we will be working with an industry-leading firm to identify the right person. We need to strengthen our HR function, restructure it further and adapt it to the new challenges of our industry. In doing this, we will better serve and support you. We are hiring a top international management consulting firm to audit and reshape our HR procedures and policies.

Toxic behaviors are unacceptable and are in direct contrast to values on which I have never compromised — and never will. As we collectively embark on a path leading to a better Ubisoft, it is my expectation that every leader across this organization manages 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 all of you and for Ubisoft.

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