Primark has been forced to reshuffle its very senior management after the immediate resignation of its chief executive over ‘inappropriate behaviour’ towards a female member of staff.
Eoin Tonge, finance director of parent Associated British Foods has become Primark chief executive on an interim basis with Joana Edwards, ABF group financial controller acting as interim ABF finance director. ‘Both executives have the experience to perform these roles well,’ says the group.
Paul Marchant’s resignation 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. Marchant cooperated with the investigation, acknowledged his error of judgement and accepted that his actions fell below the standards expected by ABF. He has made an apology to the individual concerned, the ABF board and also to his Primark colleagues and others connected to the business.
‘As we have committed to publicly, ABF seeks to provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment where all employees and third parties are treated with dignity and respect. Primark is committed to doing business the right way at all levels of the company. The group will continue to offer support to the individual who brought this behaviour to its attention,’ says the group.
‘I am immensely disappointed. At ABF, we believe that high standards of integrity are essential. 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, says George Weston, ABF chief executive.
Marchant’s departure comes as the chain is rolling out click and collected for its expanded home offer and follows the opening of its first standalone home store.
