A private-equity-owned national retailer referred a complaint alleging harassment by a senior executive against multiple subordinates. The investigation involved eight witness interviews across three states, forensic analysis of GPS and payroll data to verify travel schedules and expense claims, and review of electronic communications spanning 18 months. The challenge was structural: the private equity sponsor, the board, the executive leadership team, and the complaining employees each had different interests and different access to information. The investigation report included individualized credibility assessments for each witness (incorporating demeanor observations, internal consistency analysis, and corroboration mapping), organizational recommendations addressing both the specific complaint and systemic culture issues identified during the investigation, and a facilitated mediation plan for workplace relationships disrupted by the investigation process. The report was delivered directly to the board of directors.
Investigation
National Retailer — Executive Complaint
C-suite harassment allegations. PE-owned company. Eight witnesses.
The Transferable Point
Multi-stakeholder investigations in PE-owned companies require managing four distinct audiences — the PE sponsor, the board, the executive team, and the complaining employees — each with different interests and information access. The investigation report must serve all four audiences while maintaining independence. GPS and payroll data forensics can verify or contradict witness testimony more reliably than witness demeanor assessment alone.
Methods Applied
- Eight witness interviews across three states with individualized credibility assessment
- GPS and payroll data forensic analysis to verify travel and expense claims
- Electronic communications review spanning 18 months
- Multi-stakeholder interest mapping (PE sponsor, board, executives, complainants)
- Corroboration mapping across witness statements and documentary evidence
- Organizational culture assessment beyond the specific complaint
Governing Authorities
Report Delivered to Board
This matter description is for illustrative purposes only. Details have been generalized to protect client confidentiality. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.