Paul Marchant has resigned as the chief executive of Primark, a leading high street fashion retailer, following an investigation into allegations concerning inappropriate behavior.

The company confirmed that Mr. Marchant admitted to an 'error of judgment' related to an incident involving a female individual.

Mr. Marchant, who served as the CEO of Primark until Monday, has had a long career in retail, holding significant roles with various UK high street brands, including Debenhams, Topman, and River Island.

Prior to his tenure as CEO, Mr. Marchant was the chief operating officer at New Look.

He joined Primark in 2009 as the chief operating officer under the company's founder, Arthur Ryan, and later assumed the position of chief executive within the same year.

Under his leadership, Primark expanded its global footprint significantly, increasing its store count to over 450 locations worldwide and announcing plans to reach 530 shops by the end of 2024.

The company has reported its growth during Mr. Marchant's tenure, particularly highlighting its market share gains in the UK fashion sector, despite facing competitive pressure from established retailers such as Debenhams and Marks & Spencer.

The brand also made strides in mainland Europe and the United States, with ongoing expansion efforts in these regions.

However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 brought challenges that led to temporary store closures and necessitated the company to navigate sharp rises in operational costs and increased competition from budget retailers such as Shein and Temu.

While details concerning the allegations against Mr. Marchant remain limited, Primark stated that the complaint originated from an individual's concerns about his behavior in a social context.

Associated British Foods (ABF), Primark's parent company, initiated an investigation led by external legal advisors.

The company reported that Mr. Marchant cooperated fully and acknowledged his missteps, which he accepted as falling short of the standards upheld by ABF.

ABF has expressed its disappointment regarding the situation, emphasizing the importance of treating colleagues with respect and dignity.

George Weston, ABF's chief executive and majority shareholder, underscored the need for a culture that prioritizes collective values over individual actions.

In light of Mr. Marchant's resignation, Eoin Tonge, ABF's finance director, has been appointed as the interim chief executive of Primark, while Joana Edwards, ABF's group financial controller, will assume Mr. Tonge's previous role on an interim basis.

Primark is a significant contributor to ABF's revenue, generating over £9.4 billion in sales in the last financial year.

The retailer's most recent financial performance indicated a 6% decline in like-for-like sales in the UK and Ireland during the 16 weeks leading to January 4, amidst mounting pressures on consumer spending.

This leadership change unfolds at a crucial juncture, as analysts suggest it may influence Primark's strategies amid shifting consumer sentiment and challenges in the UK clothing market.

ABF is scheduled to disclose its financial results for the previous six months on April 29.