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Russell McVeagh partner resigns for comments made while drinking
A partner at top-tier New Zealand firm Russell McVeagh has resigned from his position for “inappropriate comments made while under the influence of alcohol”.
Jerome Doraisamy
The chair of the firm’s board, Malcolm Crotty, confirmed the resignation of the partner following an independent investigation into complaints made regarding the aforementioned comments.
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“A thorough investigation substantiates the complaints and the partner concerned has apologised and tendered his resignation,” Mr Crotty said in a statement.
“We are deeply disappointed in the partner at the centre of the investigation.”
The firm is committed, the chair continued, to changing its institutional environmental culture and recognises that change requires collective and long-term commitment, he said.
All partners in the firm have agreed to uphold and lead the change, he noted.
“The partner concerned let the firm down and we have now lost trust and confidence in him. The board determined that his conduct has fallen below our expected standards and we have accepted his resignation,” Mr Crotty said.
“There is no place for inappropriate conduct at our firm. Despite the circumstances, it is encouraging that our people have spoken up.”
“We have arranged to meet with the New Zealand Law Society.”
The news follows the release of an independent report into Russell McVeagh by Dame Margaret Bazley in July of this year, which found failings of policy, governance structure and culture in light of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment and bullying.
