The recently-appointed CEO of Moët Hennessy has countered allegations made about the company’s workplace culture, accusing a former executive of spreading “false and unacceptable” claims rooted in “personal ambition.”
Just over a year ago, Maria Gasparovic, who previously held the role of chief of staff for the group’s global head of distribution, was dismissed after what Jean-Jacques Guiony described in a letter to employees this week as serious breaches of conduct, including access misuse and undisclosed conflicts of interest. The matter is the subject of a legal claim by Gasparovic in which the former executive is claiming compensation and damages.
“She created an environment that was destructive and Moët Hennessy had no choice but to terminate her contract,” Guiony wrote in the letter, adding that some issues, such as “threats of blackmail,” came to light only after her departure.
Rather than challenge the termination in court initially, Guiony (below) said Gasparovic “started a press campaign,” prompting Moët Hennessy to file a libel suit. She later invoked whistleblower status, which he described as being another attempt to “manipulate the systems that are intended to protect.”
An article published by the FT earlier this month cited claims from Gasparovic and other current and former employees, alleging a toxic work culture and gender discrimination within the group. Guiony, who has been in post since February, denied those claims and defended both his leadership and that of his predecessor, Philippe Schaus. “I cannot accept the attacks directed at my predecessor… whose behaviour was beyond reproach,” he wrote.
“Philippe was instrumental in appointing women to some key critical roles,” including positions on the group’s executive committee.
Guiony also pointed to internal progress on gender equity, saying the company had achieved executive and managerial gender parity – claiming a rise from 45% to 50% since 2020 – and committed to “continuously upholding a positive and supportive environment for all.”
“Seeing these values misrepresented in the press is not only disappointing to me, but I know it is also deeply unsettling for all of you who work so hard to uphold them,” he told staff.
The legal claim is expected to be heard in court later this year, according to the FT.
In May, Moët Hennessy was reported to be the third spirits giant in the process of consolidating its employee headcount, with around 1,200 jobs on the line.
