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The chief executive of fashion chain Primark has resigned with immediate effect following an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a woman.
Parent company Associated British Foods said Paul Marchant, who joined the fashion retailer in 2009, “co-operated with the investigation, acknowledged his error of judgment and accepted that his actions fell below the standards expected” by the FTSE 100 company.
Marchant’s departure follows an investigation, initiated by ABF and carried out by external lawyers, into an allegation made by an individual about his behaviour towards her in a social environment.
He will be replaced by Eoin Tonge, ABF’s finance chief, who will act as Primark chief executive on an interim basis.
The company added that it sought to provide “a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment where all employees and third parties are treated with dignity and respect”.
ABF chief executive George Weston said he was “immensely disappointed”, adding: “Acting responsibly is the only way to build and manage a business over the long term. Colleagues and others must be treated with respect and dignity. Our culture has to be, and is, bigger than any one individual.”
Marchant, who is widely recognised for being a skilled retailer by peers in the industry, having led Primark successfully for many years, apologised to the individual concerned, the ABF board and Primark employees, among others, the company said.
Marchant did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
