Ralph Lauren Executive Resigns After Probe Into His Conduct

Ralph Lauren Corp. said its chief commercial officer has resigned after an investigation showed that he had violated the company’s business and ethics codes.

The U.S. apparel company said it recently learned of unspecified allegations about Howard Smith’s personal conduct. The board then launched an investigation, the company said in a statement published on its website.

Howard Smith

Photographer: Julien Hekimian/Getty Images

“Because the investigation revealed conduct that violated our code of conduct and other policies, it was decided that Howard would resign,” Chairman Ralph Lauren and Chief Executive Officer Patrice Louvet said in the statement. “These issues do not concern the company’s financials ...