Ted Baker appoints Lindsay Page as CEO as it unveils plans to improve HR policies
Fashion retailer Ted Baker has appointed Lindsay Page as its new chief executive as it announced the conclusions of the independent investigation into allegations into the conduct of its founder and former chief executive, Ray Kelvin.
Kelvin stepped down in March following allegations of “forced hugging” and Page’s appointment as acting chief exective in December.
Today the company said the investigation into Kelvin’s conduct and the company’s HR policies and procedures by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills is now complete. Kelvin has always denied the allegations.
In a statement, Ted Baker said: “In light of Mr Kelvin’s resignation with immediate effect on 4 March 2019, the conclusions and recommendations of the HSF investigation have focused on the company’s policies, procedures and handling of HR-related complaints. The company will not be making any comment on the specific allegations which were made against Mr Kelvin.”
Ted Baker said the process included interviews with current and former employees of the company and people who had been able to “closely observe” employees at Ted Baker. This has resulted in several areas for improvement being identified in the company’s HR policies and procedures.
Actions being taken include training for all employees on HR policies and procedures and acceptable workplace conduct, as well as maintaining an independent and confidential whistleblowing hotline and improving the oversight of both people and culture matters within the business. As part of this, Sharon Baylay will continue in her new role on the Ted Baker board as the designated non-executive director for engagement with the workforce.
Ted Baker executive chairman David Bernstein said: “We are implementing changes and improvements and are committed to developing best-practice HR policies and procedures that reflect the Ted culture we are looking to develop and enhance in the future.
“One of Ted Baker’s greatest strengths is its people. I would like to thank our team for their co-operation and input during this process and for their continued hard work and commitment. I am confident that this skilled and dedicated team will continue to drive the Ted Baker brand forward.”
Meanwhile, Page has been has been appointed as the company’s chief executive on a permanent basis with immediate effect.
Having joined Ted Baker as group finance director in February 1997, Page took on the additional role of chief operating officer in July 2014 before being appointed as acting chief executive last December.
Bernstein said:“We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Lindsay as our new chief executive. Lindsay has been a key driving force in Ted Baker’s expansion as a global lifestyle brand over the last 22 years. Throughout the process that led to his appointment, Lindsay has demonstrated to myself and the Board his unrivalled knowledge of the business and his clear vision on the opportunities and priorities that lie ahead. He is exceptionally well regarded by our teams and our partners, making him the outstanding candidate for the role.”
The company’s nomination committee is currently considering making additional board appointments and, as previously announced, Bernstein will continue in his capacity as executive chairman until a new non-executive chairman is appointed.
