Primark boss quits after probe into inappropriate behaviour with female staff member
THE boss of Primark has quit after an investigation was launched into alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a female member of staff.
Paul Marchant has stepped down as chief executive of the high-street brand with immediate effect.
The company said Mr Marchant co-operated with the investigation, “acknowledged his error of judgment and accepts 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,” it added.
ABF stressed that it will continue to offer support to the individual who brought the incident to its attention.
It follows the the Associated British Foods group initiating an external investigation into the allegation made by an individual about his behaviour towards her in a social environment.
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Eoin Tonge, ABF Finance Director, is thought to take over as Primark Chief Executive on an interim basis.
He will be working with the senior Primark management team and Primark’s Strategic Advisory Board.
Joana Edwards, ABF Group Financial Controller, will act as interim ABF Finance Director.
Both executives have the experience to perform these roles well.
Paul Marchant has been described on the Primark corporate website as joining the company as COO in 2009.
Within the same year he became CEO, taking over from Primark founder, Arthur Ryan.
He has previously worked for Debenhams, Topman, River Island and was COO at New Look.
According site, Paul was responsible for doubling the store's footprint since joining.
He is yet to update his LinkedIn profile which continues to describe his current role at Primark.
George Weston, Chief Executive of ABF, said: “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.”
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The Group will announce its interim financial results as planned on 29 April 2025.
Primark has more than 450 stores nationwide, employing over 30,000 who help serve the millions of customers passing through every week.