Ted Baker founder Ray Kelvin steps down amid 'forced hugging' allegations

More than 200 of the Ted Baker staff finally broke their silence after '50 recorded incidents of harassment'

Ray Kelvin, the founder and chief executive of renowned fashion brand Ted Baker has resigned following allegations of misconduct, which included "forced hugging", reported BBC News. Kelvin had been on a voluntary leave of absence since December 2018 following said allegations.

The accusations are in the process of being investigated by the company. However, the founder has denied all. "The company has been my life and soul but the right thing to do is to step away from Ted," Kelvin said in a statement. He added that the past few months had been "deeply distressing" but he would support the team wherever he could offer "helpful advice".

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Kelvin, who owns 35% of the company, will not receive any severance pay. Moreover, any bonus payments he has earned for the past three years' performance will lapse.

In December, employees launched an online petition accusing him of inappropriate comments and behaviour. The petition, on the workplace website, said that more than 200 of the Ted Baker staff were finally breaking their silence after at least "50 recorded incidents of harassment" at the fashion group.

Staff claimed that as well as engaging them in unwelcome embraces, the brand's founder had asked young female members of staff to sit on his knee, cuddle him or let him massage their ears. At the time, Kelvin said that it was "only right" that Ted Baker's committee and board should investigate.

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Ted Baker's acting chief executive Lindsay Page will continue in the role and the board has asked David Bernstein to act as executive chairman to provide additional support. Bernstein has indicated that he will continue in this position until no later than 30 November 2020, by which time a successor will be appointed.

"As founder and CEO, we are grateful for his [Ray Kelvin's] tireless energy and vision," Bernstein said in a statement. "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."

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Kelvin's statement read,  "Difficult though this decision is given that Ted Baker has been my life and soul for over 30 years, 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."

He continued, "As a shareholder in the business I'll support Lindsay in his leadership and be available to him and the team wherever I can offer helpful advice. I'm extremely proud of what we've achieved in building Ted Baker to the global brand it is today. Thank you to every single colleague, customer, supplier, and investor for your commitment to the business. We couldn't have done it without you and I'm so grateful.

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