The Nature Conservancy President Brian McPeek resigned Friday, just days after the group completed an investigation into sexual harassment and workplace misconduct at the world’s largest environmental organization, according to an email obtained by POLITICO.
The news came two days after POLITICO first reported on the internal investigation.
CEO Mark Tercek emailed staff Friday afternoon to announce McPeek’s departure.
“Brian McPeek and I jointly agreed that the best way for TNC to move forward at this time is for him to resign. We both think this decision is in the best interest of the organization as well as Brian and his family,” he wrote.
McPeek had stepped aside from his role as president while law firm McDermott Will & Emery investigated claims of sexual harassment at the environmental group. The report found some employees complained that the culture at the Nature Conservancy was hostile to women, and that decision-makers often sided with the accused when complaints were made.
Tercek had faced questions at a company town hall on Thursday about McPeek’s ability to lead the organization that has worked in 72 countries across six continents.
The investigation did not name the three executives that comprised a bulk of its report. The report described a former female employee who said she received an “unwelcome” kiss from one of those executives. Investigators found the woman “credible” despite the executive’s denials, but didn’t recommend punishment.
McPeek had been with the organization for 16 years. He was named president in May 2018.
The Nature Conservancy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Article originally published on POLITICO Magazine