It is by an internal press release that Jean-Jacques Guiony, CEO of Moët Hennessy, reacted to the media storm launched by the Financial Times. This Thursday, July 10, the British economic daily revealed that a former executive of the group, Maria Gasparovic, former member of the management committee – was responsible for the distribution service – continued the company for sexual harassment, discrimination and abusive dismissal. A complaint filed before the Paris industrial tribunal council, accompanied by a compensation request of 1.3 million euros.
The article evokes sexist remarks, casual responses from the hierarchy-including a proposal for “anti-seduction training”-and a corporate culture dominated by a “boys club”. Accusations that Moët Hennessy refutes in block.
The company, a subsidiary of LVMH, has initiated a defamation procedure against its ex-employee.
This is the message that the president of Moët Hennessy sent his employees this Thursday evening.
Repro CL
In its press release, management defends itself vigorously. She accuses Maria Gasparovic of having fed “a personal resentment”, after the refusal of a post she coveted. She accuses him of having made remarks that may be perceived as harassment, for having disseminated inappropriate content, and for having failed in his confidentiality obligations. The group says that certain facts, such as threats to blackmail, were only discovered after departure.
“Rather than challenging this decision to justice, she chose to launch a media attack. »»
“Ultimately, Maria Gasparovic chose to exploit a situation which she herself had caused-a situation based on a personal agenda, now used to try to justify a compensation request. “The management denounces an attempt to manipulate a laundry status” diverting once again devices designed to protect, not to manipulate. »»
It describes behaviors deemed incompatible with the group’s ethics: “These actions and attitudes towards our company as well as towards certain employees were absolutely contrary to our values. They took place away from any supervision and were facilitated by the complacency of some, or even until the support of some on purpose. “And to conclude:” Such actions are intolerable. This is the reason for his departure. »»
The press release also defends the former CEO Philippe Schaus, implicated in the complaint. Jean-Jacques Guiony declares: “I cannot accept the attacks formulated against my predecessor, Philippe Schaus, whose behavior has always been impeccable in all of his interactions. “He salutes the latter’s commitment to advance the place of women in the company:” Philippe has devoted a lot of time to anchor a vision and values based on equity. He played a decisive role in the appointment of women to key positions. »»
The management highlights the results of this policy: “Since 2020, we have reached parity between women and men in executives and managerial bodies, going from 45 % to 50 % in three years. »»
“The set of Moët Hennessy, reinforced, reaffirms equity and diversity throughout our organization,” concludes the internal note.
This case comes in a tense context for Moët Hennessy, the LVMH wines and spirits branch. The Hennessy house, established in Cognac, is going through a difficult period: fall in results, union sling, restructuring announced more than 1,000 positions and internal audit on expenses.
