Ralph Lauren Executive Pushed Out Over Personal Conduct Violations After Investigation

Apparel giant Ralph Lauren Corp. said Wednesday that chief commercial officer Howard Smith has resigned following an investigation that found he violated the company's code of conduct.

“Upon recently learning about allegations related to Howard’s personal conduct, our Board of Directors launched an independent investigation, which is its responsibility whenever such allegations are raised,” a note to Ralph Lauren employees read.

After the unspecified allegations were reported to the company, the audit committee with the board of directors along with outside counsel launched an investigation, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Smith, 50, joined Ralph Lauren in 2002, according to his LinkedIn profile. Some of Smith's titles included Vice-President of Logistics and Operations, Senior vice-president of Supply Chain, President of Asia Pacific, and Group President International. He worked in New York, Paris, Tokyo, London, Hong Kong, Geneva, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Smith's resignation will be official on April 2. Employees under Smith will report to Patrice Louvet, President and CEO of Ralph Lauren.

Ralph Lauren Corp. has not provided details about Smith's personal conduct violations. “These issues do not concern the Company’s financials or performance,” the company said.

The news comes after Estée Lauder fired executive John Demsey this week for posting a racist meme on his personal Instagram account. The meme appeared to mock COVID-19 and included the n-word in a Sesame Street-style book cover.