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 Sun has learnt that Mr Marchant had a previous complaint against him a few years ago by a Primark employee over “inappropriate communication”.
It is understood that this is partly the reason why Primark’s owner, Associated British Foods, reacted so strongly against the latest complaint.
Associated British Foods (ABF), which owns Primark, 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.
A spokesman confirmed the prior investigation into Mr Marchant’s behaviour stating: “One previous incident involving inappropriate communication was investigated some time ago. Proportionate action was taken at the time.”
It follows the ABF group initiating an external investigation into the allegation made by an individual about his behaviour towards her in a social environment.
Eoin Tonge, ABF Finance Director, is expected 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.
According to the Primark corporate website, Mr Marchant joined the company as COO in 2009.
Within the same year he became CEO, taking over from Primark founder, Arthur Ryan.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”I’m a mum-of-12, I’ve found the perfect Nike dupe sportswear for just £4.50″ embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6369888785112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]He has previously worked for Debenhams, Topman, River Island and was COO at New Look.
According site, Mr Marchant 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.”
The billionaire Weston family own a 58 per cent stake in ABF.
ABF covers a diverse range of the industry and owns a number of grocery, ingredient and sugar businesses.
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.
Thomas Beale, Partner and Head of the Bullying and Harassment Team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, said: “The specifics of the allegation against Primark’s CEO are not yet clear, but his decision to step down suggests the matter is serious.
“It is vital that Primark conducts a thorough investigation, particularly to determine whether this incident reflects a broader toxic workplace culture among senior staff that could enable other harmful behaviours to persist.
“When leaders act inappropriately towards colleagues, it constitutes an abuse of power.
“In situations like this, it is vital for employers to respond promptly to allegations. This will demonstrate to staff that their concerns are taken seriously and help to prevent similar behaviour in the future.
“Companies have obligations to protect employees from unacceptable workplace behaviour, but unfortunately, many often fall short of this responsibility.
“We can only hope that Primark is taking the necessary steps to tackle this issue head-on. The resignation of the CEO may be a positive indication that the company is committed to addressing the matter effectively.
“It is crucial for companies to be proactive in safeguarding their staff from harassment otherwise they will face litigation, and the new Worker Protection Act will make it easier for staff who have faced inappropriate behaviour to come forward.”
Elizabeth McGlone, Managing Partner at didlaw and a leading discrimination lawyer in women’s rights in the workplace, said: “The news that Primark CEO Paul Marchant has resigned following allegations about his behaviour towards a woman at a social event is welcome.
“No details of what the behaviour was have yet emerged but there is no place in the workplace for inappropriate behaviour and social events around work also comprise the work environment.
“It’s not enough for standards to be in place only in the workplace. Employers are also liable for the acts of their employees at work-related events.
“There is nothing to indicate that this is anything other than an isolated incident so it’s unlikely to take the same course as the investigation into Mohammed Al Fayed or McDonalds although if further allegations do emerge that may change.
“Employees are entitled to attend work without having to deal with inappropriate conduct whether of a sexual nature or otherwise, anything which violates dignity is treated as harassment.
“It’s quite right that Marchant has fallen on his sword. In a female-dominated industry the taint of his conduct could only harm Primark and its staff.”
