Mark McInnes resigned today from his position as CEO of David Jones effective immediately after a complaint by a female employee of inappropriate behaviour.
 
In a separate statement released today, McInnes has admitted to behaving “in a manner unbecoming of a chief executive to a female staff member” at two recent company functions.
 
David Jones’ board has agreed to a mutual termination of his employment with the company and his resignation as a member of the board of directors.
 
“The circumstances of McInnes’ departure are deeply regrettable,” said David Jones chairman, Robert Savage.
 
“The board has acted promptly to address a complaint made by the female staff member concerned, the issues arising from it and to appoint a new CEO.
 
“We have offered all appropriate support to the affected employee whose solicitors have made a complaint to the board about McInnes’ conduct. The board takes her allegations extremely seriously.
 
“The board has taken and will continue to take steps to ensure that this complaint is appropriately addressed,” said Savage.
 
The board has appointed Paul Zahra as the new CEO of the company effective immediately. Zahra has 28 years retail experience and has been part of the David Jones management team for 12 years. All other members of the executive management team remain in place.