Earlier this week news broke that Ted Baker CEO Ray Kelvin has been accused of sexual harassment in the workplace. Former and current employees drafted a petition against him, claiming that he insists on hugs, tries to massage people in the office, and has openly asked staff for sex. When the story came out the company promised to conduct an independent investigation into the matter, and it appears they are moving swiftly.
WWD reports that on Thursday the company appointed “an independent committee of non-executive directors” to ensure that the petition is adequately investigated. Meanwhile a law firm has been hired to help investigate the claims.
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“The board has moved quickly to appoint Herbert Smith Freehills LLP to conduct a thorough and independent external investigation into recent reports regarding the company and its CEO,” David Bernstein, a non-executive chairman of Ted Baker, said in a statement.
The Guardian reports that as early as Thursday the company said Kelvin would remain in his position while the investigation took place. But Friday morning it was announced that he is taking a voluntary leave of absence. Kelvin’s leave is effective immediately. Lindsay Page, the company’s COO, has been appointed its CEO in the interim.
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