Tesco, UK’s supermarket giant chairman John Allan will step down next month following allegations over his conduct towards women.
The company has issued a statement in this regard. Interim chair Byron Grote said in a statement to the London Stock Exchange said that the company is well advanced in its search for a new chair and will make an announcement in due course.
Grote will helm Tesco’s annual general meeting (AGM) on 16th June, when Allan will step down after eight years in the chair.
Just a few days back the Guardian newspaper reported that Allan “faces claims of inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour from four women”.
It has been said that Allan, 74, allegedly touched the bottom of a senior Tesco staff member at last year’s AGM.
The newspaper said it was also claimed that Allan touched the bottom of a member of staff at the CBI’s annual dinner in 2019, when he was president of the lobby group.
Sources alleged that Allan made inappropriate remarks at the two events, as well as separate, similar comments to two other female CBI staff members in 2019 and in 2021 respectively.
The company’s statement reads that three of these allegations are vigorously denied by John, for the other John unreservedly apologised for the comment he made.
The retail chain had claimed to commission an ‘extensive review‘ of the allegations backed by external lawyers.
