Intel CEO out after consensual relationship with employee
NEW YORK – Intel CEO Brian Krzanich resigned after the company learned of what it called his consensual relationship with an employee.
Intel said
Thursday that the relationship was in violation of the company’s non-fraternization policy, which applies to all managers. The company did not give more details on what happened and a representative did not immediately return a message for comment on Thursday. Chief Financial Officer Robert Swan will take over as interim CEO immediately. A search for a new CEO is underway.
In this #Metoo era, corporate America is under intense pressure to enforce workplace policies on gender equality and sexual harassment. Even relationships that appear consensual are closely scrutinized - and often prohibited by companies - if they involve a power imbalance such as the one between a manager and an employee.
Earlier this month, Guess Inc. cofounder Paul Marciano stepped down following a company investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and assault. John Lasseter, co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney’s animation chief, also recently said he was resigning over what he called “missteps” with employees.
Years before #Metoo, the CEO of Hewlett-packard Co., Mark Hurd, was ousted following accusations of sexual harassment by a female contract worker. Hurd settled with the woman in 2010.