The executive director of low -cost clothing brand Primark, Paul Marchant, has resigned after a “behavioral problem” towards a woman in “a social environment”. The company reports this in a press release on Monday.
The departure follows an investigation by Associated British Foods (ABF), the mother brand of Primark, led by external lawyers. That research came after a woman’s accusation about Marchant’s behavior opposite her.
“Paul Marchant participated in the study, has recognized his estimation error and accepts that his actions did not meet the standards that the company expects,” it says in the announcement. “He apologized to the person concerned, the board of directors of ABF, his colleagues with Primark and other stakeholders.”
ABF, which did not yet provide more details, declares “to offer a safe, respectful and inclusive working environment”, “where all employees and third parties are treated with dignity and respect”.
Disappointed
“I am very disappointed,” said George Weston, CEO of ABF, quoted in the press release. “Responsible action is the only way to build and run a long -term company.”
Paul Marchant has been general director of Primark since 2009. He is temporarily replaced by Ein Tonge, Chief Financial Officer of ABF.