Campbell’s placed a senior executive on administrative leave this week after alleged comments that prompted an internal review and public criticism, the company said. The move comes as the soup maker investigates the circumstances surrounding the remarks and determines whether company policies were violated.
In a brief statement, Campbell’s said the executive has been temporarily relieved of duties while the company conducts an investigation. The statement said the company “takes these matters seriously” and is committed to a thorough, impartial review. The company did not provide further details about the content of the alleged comments or identify the executive.
The alleged remarks, first reported publicly in recent days, drew criticism from employees and outside observers who said the comments were inappropriate and inconsistent with the company’s stated values. Several current and former employees told colleagues they were upset and called for accountability, according to internal messages and public posts.
Advocacy groups and some customers urged Campbell’s to act quickly and transparently. A company spokesperson said Campbell’s is reviewing the matter with urgency while balancing privacy and legal considerations.
Legal and human-resources experts note that placing an employee on leave during an investigation is a common step that preserves the integrity of the inquiry and prevents potential workplace disruption. Depending on the investigation’s findings, possible outcomes could range from reinstatement to disciplinary measures up to termination.
The situation highlights ongoing pressures on corporations to respond to conduct by senior leaders that conflicts with organizational values or public expectations. Campbell’s said it will provide updates as appropriate but declined to comment on the timeline for the investigation or potential consequences.