World · India Bureau
Eiffel Tower Chief to Step Down Following Female Staff Row
The head of the company managing the Eiffel Tower will resign by year-end following controversy over the removal of female employees during a BAPS delegation visit. An inquiry has revealed systemic and operational failures in the handling of the incident.
LSN India ·
Patrick Branco Ruivo, chief executive of the company overseeing operations at the iconic Parisian landmark, will step down before the close of 2024, the organisation announced. The decision follows a significant controversy in which female staff members were asked to leave the tower during a visit by representatives of the BAPS, a Hindu faith-based organisation.
The incident drew sharp criticism after details emerged that female employees had been asked to remain away from areas frequented by the visiting delegation. The decision raised questions about workplace discrimination and adherence to French labour and equality standards.
A subsequent internal investigation identified multiple institutional and operational shortcomings in how the matter was handled. The inquiry found systemic failures in decision-making processes and a lack of proper protocol implementation, according to statements issued by the management.
The resignation marks a significant development in addressing the controversy and represents management's acknowledgment of the severity of the operational failures. The tower's operating company has not yet announced details regarding Branco Ruivo's successor or measures to prevent similar incidents in future.