Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s co-owner, has pledged sweeping changes to the club’s culture after allegations of a toxic environment in the marketing department emerged. In a letter to staff, Boehly promised a zero-tolerance approach to bullying following the death of Richard Bignell, a former head of the club’s television channel, who took his own life in January.
Bignell, who had worked at Chelsea since 2009, was sacked last September after returning from medical leave, according to The New York Times. The newspaper reported that a coroner’s inquiry found he was “deeply troubled by anxiety, depression and despair following the loss of his job”. About a dozen former colleagues said Bignell had struggled to cope with an executive’s aggressive management style, with several other staff taking medical leave or resigning.
Boehly, whose consortium completed its takeover in May, said the revelations showed the need to improve the club’s culture beyond on-pitch success. He confirmed an external review team had been appointed to investigate the allegations, which related to the previous ownership. “The physical and mental health and wellbeing of all of our people is paramount,” he wrote.
The American businessman added that Chelsea must become “a beacon of hope, positive and good leadership” and revealed he had contacted Bignell’s family. The club’s new hierarchy aims to treat harmony off the pitch as important as winning trophies, with an external review already underway.
