Primark chief resigns after investigation into inappropriate behaviour

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The chief executive of fashion chain Primark has resigned with immediate effect following an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a woman.

Parent company Associated British Foods said Paul Marchant, who joined the fashion retailer in 2009, “co-operated with the investigation, acknowledged his error of judgment and accepted that his actions fell below the standards expected” by the FTSE 100 company.

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.

He will be replaced by Eoin Tonge, ABF’s finance chief, who will act as Primark chief executive on an interim basis.

This is a developing story