Ted Baker founder Ray Kelvin quits amid ‘forced hugging’ claims
The British luxury retail clothing company saw its share price tumble and then rally more than 4% on Monday morning after its CEO and founder stepped down amid harassment claims.
Ted Baker’s founder and CEO Ray Kelvin resigned on Monday morning amid harassment allegations relating to his ‘forced hugging’ of colleagues.
The British fashion retailer announced that an independent investigation into the harassment allegations against Kelvin has begun in response to an online campaign participated in by over 200 employees in December last year that claimed a culture of harassment existed at the company.
‘Ray Kelvin founded the business 32 years ago and has, together with the fantastic team around him, been the driving force behind it becoming the global brand it is today,’ Ted Baker Executive Chairman David Bernstein said.
‘However, in light of the allegations made against him, Ray has decided that it is in the best interests of the company for him to resign so that the business can move forward under new leadership,’ he added.
Ted Baker CEO Ray Kelvin denies allegations of misconduct
In a statement issued on Monday, Kelvin denied all allegations of misconduct, but agreed to resign with immediate effect from his position as CEO and as a director of Ted Baker.
The British fashion retailer said that the independent investigation could take until the beginning of the second quarter to complete, with the company looking to reform its policies, procedures and handling of complaints.
‘I’ve decided that the right thing to do is to step away from Ted and allow the business to focus on being the outstanding brand it is so it can face 2019 with fresh energy and renewed spirit,’ Kelvin said in a statement.
Ted Baker’s share price tumble and recovery
Immediately after the news broke regarding Kelvin’s resignation the company’s share price fell by 4.8% on Monday morning, but it has since recovered and trading more than 4% higher as of 12:10pm GMT.
Lindsay Page will serve as acting CEO in Kelvin’s absence, with Bernstein adamant that company is ‘determined to learn lessons’ in light of what has happened, admitting that ‘appropriate changes’ must be made to Ted Baker’s culture.
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
See your opportunity?
Seize it now. Trade over 17,000+ markets on our award-winning platform, with low spreads on indices, shares, commodities and more.
Live prices on most popular markets
- Equities
- Indices
- Forex
- Commodities
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.
