Tesco has announced that John Allan will step down as its chair following the AGM on 16 June.
A Guardian story recently reported four women had alleged inappropriate behaviour and comments by Allan, three of which he denied and in the other case said he unreservedly apologised for the remarks made.
Tesco added that for one of the allegations, reportedly at its AGM in 2022, it had launched an immediate review of available video footage and had called for any witnesses to come forward anonymously.
“This review has not identified any evidence or complaints in relation to John at the Tesco 2022 AGM or at all in his tenure as Tesco Chair,” said the FTSE 100 group’s statement.
Even so, Tesco said it has decided to end Allan’s stint as chair, noting his period in office was due to end shortly and it had already started the process of finding a successor.
A resolution to re-elect John Allan at the AGM, meanwhile, has been withdrawn said the company.
Byron Grote, senior independent director, said: “While we have received no complaints about John's conduct and made no findings of wrongdoing, these allegations risk becoming a distraction to Tesco.”
Grote will take over as interim chair until a permanent replacement is found.