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Ted Baker CEO takes leave as second executive accused of unwelcome hugging

New allegation against long-serving senior executive adds to storm cloud around founder Ray Kelvin

A branch of Ted Baker stands on Regent Street on December 06, 2018.
A branch of Ted Baker stands on Regent Street on December 06, 2018. Photo: Getty Images

A second senior executive at Ted Baker has been accused of inappropriate behaviour by a former staffer, as the British fashion chain announced late Friday that founder Ray Kelvin — himself the subject of a number of complaints — would take a voluntary leave of absence.

Three women have come forward to Financial News with fresh claims about the chain’s culture. The new allegations, including unwelcome hugging by another senior executive, deepen what a source close to the firm said is being described internally as “the cuddle crisis”.

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