Ralph Lauren exec Howard Smith resigns over ‘personal conduct’ allegations

Ralph Lauren says that one of its top executives, Howard Smith, has resigned due to alleged violations of the company’s ethics code.

The company didn’t detail the violations.

The resignation of Smith, 50, who held the title of executive vice president and chief commercial officer, will go into effect on April 2.

Ralph Lauren attributed Smith’s departure to “allegations regarding [his] personal conduct” which prompted “an independent investigation with the assistance of outside counsel,” according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Smith was determined to have engaged in “conduct that violated” Ralph Lauren’s code of ethics “and other policies,” according to the SEC filing.

In light of the findings of the investigation, “Mr. Smith’s resignation was necessary,” the company said.