Primark boss Paul Marchant quits after allegation of inappropriate behaviour

Primark boss Paul Marchant has resigned after admitting an “error of judgement” following an allegation over his behaviour towards a woman.

Primark’s parent firm, Associated British Foods (ABF) said the incident related to “his behaviour towards (a woman) in a social environment.”

No other details about the incident have been released.

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,” the firm added.

ABF stressed that it will continue to offer support to the individual who brought the incident to its attention.

Mr Marchant has led the fast fashion chain, which has more than 450 shops, since 2009, when he took over as chief executive from founder Arthur Ryan.

He was previously chief operating officer at rival New Look and had held roles at Debenhams, Topman and River Island.

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.”

ABF’s finance director Eoin Tonge will now act as interim boss of Primark, working with the brand’s senior executives and strategic advisory board, ABF said.