Ted Baker founder to take ‘leave of absence’

Fashion house Ted Baker has announced its embattled boss Ray Kelvin will take a voluntary leave of absence after fresh allegations about his conduct.

The business, which has its roots in Scotland, said its board had been made aware of “further serious allegations” about the behaviour of its founder and chief executive.

Kelvin had agreed “for the benefit of the business” to leave his role while the allegations are investigated, said the firm.

This comes after the retailer appointed law firm Herbert Smith Freehills to investigate harassment allegations against Kelvin, which had led to a petition calling on the brand to take action and accused the boss of enforcing a “hugging” culture.

The board said it will make no further comment about the nature of the allegations while they remain under investigation.