Todd Boehly has responded to allegations of a toxic environment in Chelsea’s marketing team by promising all employees there will be sweeping changes to the club’s culture
Chelsea’s co-owner has sent a letter to staff saying there will be a zero-tolerance approach to bullying after it emerged that Richard Bignell, a former head of the club’s television channel, had taken his own life in January and that a coroner’s report found he had been “deeply troubled by anxiety, depression and despair following the loss of his job”., was sacked last September a day after returning to work following a period of medical leave.
Boehly promised a full investigation – Chelsea have confirmed that a new “external review team” has been appointed – and the American said he wanted more transparency, accountability, inclusivity, diversity and opportunity in the workplace. , added that Chelsea must “be a beacon of hope, positive and good leadership for fans, employees and communities we serve”. He wrote that he had contacted Bignell’s family and that he hoped to meet them within the next week.
Chelsea said: “The club’s new board believes strongly in a workplace environment and corporate culture that empowers its employees and ensures they feel safe, included, valued and trusted. Initial steps have been taken by the new owners to instil an environment consistent with our values.