This is true (Ubisoft is an extremely good example - there, HR exists to protect the cabal of creeps who run the company). But if a CEO does not tolerate bad be

This is true (Ubisoft is an extremely good example - there, HR exists to protect the cabal of creeps who run the company). But if a CEO does not tolerate bad behavior, HR is an indispensable tool for protecting workers from unscrupulous managers and colleagues, and for allowing safe whistleblowers. It is ridiculous (and, frankly, suspicious) to suggest the CEO can handle it by themselves.