Ted Baker Founder Steps Aside as New Allegations Probed

  • ‘Further serious allegations’ under investigation at retailer
  • Retailer could be in play after share-price plunge: analyst

Ray Kelvin 

Photographer: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images 

Embattled Ted Baker Plc founder Ray Kelvin, under fire for giving unwanted hugs to employees, will take a leave of absence after company officials learned of “further serious allegations” regarding his conduct.

Kelvin will take a voluntary leave from his chief executive officer’s post while Herbert Smith Freehills LLP conducts its independent investigation, the company said in a statement. Ted Baker has also created a committee of non-executive directors to ensure an appropriate response to employee concerns.