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Victoria’s Secret corporate employees and models were reportedly subjected to verbal and physical harassment from former Victoria’s Secret CMO Ed Razek throughout his tenure, the NYT reports. And L Brands CEO Les Wexner allegedly mentored and supported Razek despite a mountain of complaints and settlements. According to the NYT's investigation...
- Over a dozen HR complaints were made against Razek before he left the company last fall, including claims that he inappropriately touched models and made demeaning comments toward women.
- Former executives who reported HR violations and suggested VS reinvent its image say they were driven from the company.
VS’s response: A spokesperson for L Brands said VS is “fully committed to continuous improvement and complete accountability” internally. The rep didn’t dispute the NYT’s reporting, however.
Why it matters: Last week, the WSJ reported Wexner was in talks to step down as L Brands CEO while the company considers strategic alternatives for VS, including a sale. With more disparaging information about company culture in the mix, VS’s potential buyer has to plan for a workplace overhaul along with a sales and branding turnaround.