Airbnb Found Former China Head Violated Company Code
- Company learned about allegations of a staff relationship
- Hong Ge, the China chief, said he was leaving for another job
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Airbnb Inc.’s precarious situation in China became more complicated last week after the company discovered allegations of a romantic relationship between the top local executive and an underling. The ethical quandary contributed to growing rift and a power struggle with executives in San Francisco that led to the China chief’s exit after just four months.
The home-rental company determined Hong Ge, the former China head, violated its code of conduct by dating a female employee, said two people with knowledge of the matter. The relationship was whispered about in the Beijing office and created a distraction, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing personnel matters. Ge told colleagues he was leaving for another job.