Nigel Blow, a former Harrods executive, found his appointment as CEO of Fenwick unexpectedly withdrawn.
- Fenwick retracted the CEO offer two weeks before Blow was to start, citing allegations against a former Harrods owner.
- Blow expressed his shock and disappointment following the sudden withdrawal of the CEO position by Fenwick.
- The allegations against former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed surfaced through a recent BBC documentary.
- Blow clarified he was unaware of wrongdoing during his tenure at Harrods and has never met the accusers.
Nigel Blow, once poised to take on the CEO mantle at Fenwick, was unexpectedly informed that his appointment had been rescinded just two weeks before he was set to begin. This decision was influenced by multiple allegations of sexual assault against Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, where Blow was previously employed.
Blow, in a statement, expressed his disbelief and disappointment over Fenwick’s withdrawal of the CEO offer. He had been actively preparing for his new role since the announcement of his appointment on July 30, engaging with numerous Fenwick executives and shareholders to strategize the company’s turnaround to profitability after consecutive loss-making years.
The controversy escalated following the release of a BBC documentary revealing allegations against Al Fayed, prompting Fenwick’s decision. Blow responded to these developments, stating, “Like many others, I watched the recent BBC documentary about Al Fayed’s behavior with absolute horror. I do not know and have never met any of the women who bravely spoke about the grooming, sexual assaults, and rapes they endured.”
Throughout his tenure at Harrods from 2002 to 2007, Blow claims to have been unaware of any such inappropriate behavior by Al Fayed. He conveyed that he had never observed or heard of misconduct by Al Fayed during his time at the department store, thus proclaiming his shock at the allegations.
Recent reports revealed Harrods is conducting an internal investigation to ascertain whether any current employees were implicated in the accusations against Al Fayed. This investigation involves 20 former Harrods employees who have come forward with allegations of rape and sexual assault against the late billionaire.
The evolving situation highlights the profound impact of past actions on current corporate appointments.
