Raj Nair, Ford’s North America president and one of its top executives, will depart the company effective immediately. In a statement, the company reports that his stepping down follows a recent internal probe into “reports of inappropriate behavior” and that the “review determined certain behavior by Nair was inconsistent with the company’s code of conduct.”
Nair admitted to as much, according to a statement, saying “I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviors consistent with the principles that the Company and I have always espoused. I continue to have the utmost faith in the people of Ford Motor Company and wish them continued success in the future.”
Automotive News reached out to Nair for comment, but he has declined.
It is unclear what sort of behavior resulted in the decision. But Nair’s departure also comes amidst a tidal wave of revelations of sexual harassment and misconduct in multiple industries, starting in Hollywood last year and spreading to tech and business. In late December, the New York Times disclosed rampant sexual misconduct against women at a Ford plant in Chicago. At the time, Ford CEO Jim Hackett said “there is absolutely no room for harassment at Ford” in a letter to employees.
The Detroit News reports Nair was accused of the unspecified conduct through an anonymous complaint, which was then investigated by the company.
Nair had been executive vice president and president of Ford North America since June 2017. Before that, he was the vice president of product development and CTO since December 2015. He joined the company in 1987.
In recent years, Nair oversaw the relaunch of the Ford GT, the aluminum-bodied F-150 trucks, the updated Mustang and a range of other cars.
His replacement, according to Ford, will be announced soon.
According to Ford’s statement, Hackett said “We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration. Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values.”
This story has been updated since publication.