'Error of judgement' | Primark chief executive resigns after complaint of behaviour towards a woman

The Chief Executive of Primark has resigned after an allegation about his behaviour towards a woman “in a social environment.”

Associated British Foods (ABF), the company which owns the high street clothing retailer, said Paul Marchant has stepped down with immediate effect.

Marchant’s departure follows an investigation, initiated by ABF and carried out by external lawyers, into an allegation made by an individual about “his behaviour towards her in a social environment.”

Details of the incident were not disclosed. The business said Marchant cooperated with the investigation, “acknowledged his error of judgement 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, the company added.