By Patrick Avenell
Former David Jones CEO Mark McInnes will return to Australia with his partner, Lisa, to defend allegations brought against him by former DJs publicist Kristy Fraser-Kirk.
In a statement to the media, McInnes reiterated his apology for behaving in a manner unbecoming of a chief executive officer, but did not specifically apologise for, or deny, and individual claims against him.
“I reject many of the recent specific allegations and legally I have no alternative other than to vigorously contest them and I will,” McInnes said in a statement.
On Monday this week, Fraser-Kirk spoke to media shortly after filing a claim in the Federal Court against McInnes, new CEO Paul Zahra, the current David Jones board and David Jones Limited. Fraser-Kirk is seeking $37 million in damages.
At the time that allegations of sexual misconduct first surfaced, McInnes immediately resigned from his position. It was widely reported that he received a golden handshake of approximately $2 million. Since his resignation, McInnes and his partner have been overseas.
“My partner Lisa and I will be returning to Australia shortly to allow me to begin working with my legal team. I ask that people allow the legal process to run its course.”