Major changes are coming to the board game accessory company with the stepping down of Broken Token CEO, Greg Spence.
For those unaware, CEO Greg Spence was recently accused by a former employee, Ashley Taylor, of workplace harassment. This included sexual abuse, emotional and financial manipulation, and gaslighting. The employee made a formal complaint in a Medium post, several former co-workers came forward to corroborate her story, and legal action has been taken. In response, many tabletop game publishers cut ties with Broken Token. Even the Game Manufacturer's Association spoke out against Spence's actions.
Now, Spence has issued a new formal statement. To summarize, he apologizes to Taylor for his conduct, although he does deny explicit psychological abuse on his part. He expressed that the relationship ended in 2014, two years before Taylor officially left the employment of Broken Token.
In response to the company's loss of multiple business partners, Spence had this to say: "I know that my mistakes through my past actions with Ms. Taylor and one other employee may require everyone involved to relive these uncomfortable episodes. It also compelled many of our publishing partners to discontinue their licensing agreements with The Broken Token. To all, I take full responsibility, offer my profound apologies, and promise to continue to learn from them. I fully understand that I created this crisis for myself and those about whom I care."
Spence's next statement gave purpose to these statements. First, the staff count of Broken Token will be reduced from 23 to 10. The employees being let go from this restructuring will still receive health benefits until September 30 in addition to Employee Assistance Programs. In addition, Spence will officially step down as CEO of the company, handing his responsibilities to Kelsey Royer, effective today. Spence continued by saying that Royer will begin implementing new initiatives that will "grow The Broken Token to new heights." No further specifics were given. The rest of the statement was dedicated to Spence's reaffirmation of hoping to do better in his future endeavors and that he has taken all criticisms he has faced with open ears.
Taylor has yet to comment on these proceedings.
