Xero issues apology and outlines new safeguards after 2017 misconduct complaint

Xero has formally apologized to former employee Ally Naylor for the way it managed a 2017 whistleblower report alleging sexual misconduct by founder and former chief executive Rod Drury. Board chair David Thodey and chief executive Sukhinder Singh Cassidy delivered the apology on behalf of the company, acknowledging that past actions fell short of current standards. The apology follows a review conducted by Maria Dew KC, which examined the original handling of the complaint.

Xero outlined a series of reforms introduced since 2018, including a revised code of conduct, clear policies on workplace relationships, and the global rollout of Australia’s Positive Duty obligations to prevent sexual harassment. Additional steps will allow whistleblowers to report concerns to an external organisation and appoint independent investigators for serious allegations involving senior leaders. The firm also pledged to contribute to independent legal costs for employees pursuing sexual harassment claims against senior executives.