11th Apr 2019 08:34
LONDON (Alliance News) - Ted Baker PLC on Thursday confirmed acting Chief Executive Officer Lindsay Page to the role of CEO on a permanent basis, after completing an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against founder & former CEO Ray Kelvin.
Page joined the upmarket fashion retailer's board in 1997 and took on the additional role of chief operating officer in 2014. In December 2018, he was appointed acting CEO, after allegations of misconduct against Kelvin were made by the company's staff.
Back then, Kelvin took a voluntary leave of absence while harassment claims against him were being investigated. He was accused by the firm's employees of forced "hugging" and inappropriate touching and comments.
Kelvin resigned permanently in March, despite denying the allegations.
As soon as the allegations were made, Ted Baker had appointed an independent committee and hired Herbert Smith Freehills LLP to conduct an external investigation into the claims.
On Thursday, the retailer said Freehills concluded its independent probe, with Ted Baker refusing to make comments on the claims related to Kelvin's conduct.
However, as a result of the investigation the company implemented a change in its HR policies, it said.
Chair David Bernstein said: "We are determined to learn from this process and, moving forward, cultivate a better environment for all employees where they always feel respected and valued. We are implementing changes and improvements and are committed to developing best-practice HR policies and procedures that reflect the Ted culture we are looking to develop and enhance in the future."
Ted Baker shares were trading 1.9% higher at 1,516.00 pence each.
Related Shares:
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