Who is the CEO of Primark?
As of 2025, Eoin Tonge, the Finance Director of Associated British Foods (ABF), is serving as the interim CEO of Primark following the resignation of Paul Marchant in 2025. Marchant, who had led Primark for 14 years, stepped down after an “error of judgment” regarding his behavior toward a woman in a social situation. His resignation followed an investigation initiated by ABF and conducted by external lawyers.
Why Did Paul Marchant Resign from Primark?
Paul Marchant, who had been with Primark for 14 years, joined the company as Chief Operating Officer in 2009 and quickly rose to become CEO later that year, following the departure of Primark’s founder, Arthur Ryan. During his tenure, Marchant helped transform Primark into an international success story, but his career has come to an abrupt end after recent allegations regarding his behavior.
According to information reported by The Guardian, Marchant resigned following an “error of judgment” after an allegation was made by a woman about his behavior in a social setting. Associated British Foods (ABF), Primark’s parent company, stated that Marchant accepted his actions fell “below the standards it expected” and resigned with immediate effect. ABF initiated an investigation carried out by an external lawyer once this situation was brought to their attention. Dealing with this matter swiftly and with respect to the individual affected sets an example for other corporations.
Marchant apologized to the individual involved, the ABF board, and “his Primark colleagues and others connected to the business.” George Weston, ABF’s chief executive, expressed disappointment over the situation, stating:
“At ABF, we believe that high standards of integrity are essential. Acting responsibly is the only way to build and manage a business over the long term. Colleagues and others must be treated with respect and dignity. Our culture has to be, and is, bigger than any one individual.”
Eoin Tonge, ABF’s finance director, will serve as interim CEO, while Joana Edwards will take over as interim finance director. ABF has also confirmed that support will continue to be provided to the individual who brought the matter to their attention.
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Who is Head of Operations at Primark?
The Head of Operations at Primark is currently John Lyttle, who oversees the brand’s supply chain, logistics, and operational strategies across its international markets. Lyttle’s expertise in retail operations ensures Primark maintains efficiency and innovation while expanding into new regions and managing growing consumer demand.
How Much is Primark’s Company Turnover?
Primark has consistently maintained strong financial performance, with an estimated annual turnover of £9 billion ($11 billion) as of 2024 reported by Statista. Despite challenges in the retail sector, Primark’s ability to deliver affordable fashion has helped it sustain impressive revenue growth, driven by expansion in key international markets and a growing customer base.
Conclusion
Primark has been expanding, becoming an international success in 2025 and one of the biggest retail stores in the world. With events like this one regarding Paul Marchant, it's important to address a growing concern in corporate environments and their safety. There have been countless reports of workplace harassment and boundaries being pushed especially with powerful men in large companies. Despite increased awareness and movements advocating for safer workspaces, incidents of misconduct and abuse of power still surface across industries. The handling of this situation by ABF is commendable as they support the individual who reported the inappropriate behaviour and deal with Paul Marchant swiftly.
To prevent this, we believe stronger accountability measures, transparent reporting systems, and a culture of zero tolerance need to be heavily enforced from the top down. Leadership training focused on ethical behavior, coupled with empowering employees to speak up without fear of retaliation, can create safer, more respectful environments. As Primark grows globally, maintaining ethical leadership and prioritizing workplace safety will be essential to sustaining its reputation and long-term success.
