Amid reports of abuse, discrimination, and sexual misconduct within the workplace at video game company Ubisoft, CEO Yves Guillemot has promised to implement changes to create a positive and inclusive workplace. After several executives left the company following allegations of misconduct, Ubisoft promised to add new roles to combat workplace toxicity, including a Diversity and Inclusion Vice President.
The new role has been filled by Raashi Sikka, former Head of Diversity and Inclusion for Uber’s Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Middle East operations. Starting on February 1, 2021, Sikka will start her role tasked with the “design and implementation of various programs that seek to promote diversity and equity amongst Ubisoft’s employees globally.” Sikka will report directly to Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot and will work to address reports of workplace harassment and eliminate workplace toxicity.
Not only has Ubisoft been plagued with sexual misconduct and abuse, but has also had instances of gender discrimination, like the decision to not feature Kassandra as the sole protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey because former Chief Creative Officer Serge Hascoet reportedly stated “women don’t sell.” Hascoet had served as Ubisoft CCO since 2006 until resigning in July following the allegations.
Sikka will look to make sure every employee has a voice to prevent situations like misconduct from being suppressed by executives with power. In a press release following her hire, Sikka states, “A primary focus coming in will be to carefully listen to all voices that want to participate in improving Ubisoft’s values and culture.” Many of the previous Ubisoft allegations regard decision making and the ability to move up in the company, so ensuring that employees feel safe to speak up and be heard is vital in changing the company culture.
The new diversity and inclusion VP will not be alone in implementing changes. Ubisoft has hired Lidwine Sauer as head of workplace culture, who will also report directly to CEO Yves Guillemot and has been tasked with creating an international and diverse working group to support efforts to combat workplace toxicity.
Guillemot has claimed to taken action since the allegations surfaced by transforming the HR process, revising the composition of the editorial department, having higher accountability for managers, and hiring new roles like the diversity and inclusion VP. Sikka will most likely be prepared for the role, as her former company Uber faced sexual misconduct allegations that led to the resignation of CEO Travis Kalanick and a massive settlement to affected employees. Uber has been in the spotlight since the allegations were revealed, and has been criticized for the controversial fight to keep workers as independent contractors with fewer benefits and protections.
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