Ashley Madison's CEO Resigns

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Now that the jokes about increasing divorces have subsided, Ashley Madison is in the news again because company CEO Noel Biderman will step down. Ashley Madison is the online dating site that fell victim to a computer hack along with 37 million users who were exposed for cheating on their partners and spouses. The site's tag line is "Life is short. Have an affair."

Ashley Madison

Although the company promised anonymity, it couldn't protect users from having their emails revealed in an easily searchable database. Further damaging the company's credibility, thousands of Ashley Madison emails in the system showed that many of the female profiles on the site weren't real. 

In a statement, the company says decision for the CEO to leave is by "mutual agreement." 

Discussion Starters: 

  • Analyze the statement about the CEO leaving the company. Consider the timing, content, and tone. What could be improved? 
  • Although Noel Biderman denied having affairs, the hack revealed communications between him and women. Do you think this factored into the decision for him to resign?  
  • Read additional company statements. How is Ashley Madison trying to rebuild its image?Which tactics do you find most effective?