Ted Baker boss Ray Kelvin quits over ‘forced hugging’ claims

Fashion label founder said to have had a ‘hug zone’ in the office near his desk and was known for quirky practices like partially covering his face in photos

Reading Time:3 minutes

Founder and CEO of Ted Baker, Ray Kelvin, at an event in New York in September 2016. Photo: AFP

Published: 5:16pm, 4 Mar 2019Updated: 5:42pm, 4 Mar 2019

The Ted Baker chief executive, Ray Kelvin, has resigned following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards staff.

The company announced an independent investigation into misconduct claims against Kelvin in December in response to an online campaign claiming to represent over 200 employees asking to end “forced hugging” and “a culture that leaves harassment unchallenged”.

Kelvin has denied all allegations of misconduct, but has agreed to resign with immediate effect from his position as chief executive and a director of Ted Baker, the firm said.

A Ted Baker sign on a shop in London. File photo: Reuters

Acting chief executive officer Lindsay Page has agreed to continue in this role, and the board has asked David Bernstein to act as executive chairman. He will stay on in this role until at least 30 November 2020, by which time a new chairman will be appointed.

Kelvin, who founded the fashion chain in Glasgow in 1988, has been criticised by former and current staff for a regime of “forced hugs” and alleged harassment at its head office.

Ted Baker boss Ray Kelvin quits over ‘forced hugging’ claims

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Fashion label founder said to have had a ‘hug zone’ in the office near his desk and was known for quirky practices like partially covering his face in photos

Fashion label founder said to have had a ‘hug zone’ in the office near his desk and was known for quirky practices like partially covering his face in photos