A top Kiwi businessman who made disparaging comments about celebrity chef and entrepreneur Nadia Lim has been condemned by the board of his company DGL after days of building pressure.
Simon Henry, the founder and chief executive of speciality chemicals company DGL, told NBR last month that Lim had used her "sensuality" to raise interest in her meal delivery service My Food Bag.
Lim co-founded the business, which had a disappointing opening on the public market last year, but is a well-known Kiwi brand.
"When you've got Nadia Lim, when you've got a little bit of Eurasian fluff in the middle of your prospectus with a blouse unbuttoned showing some cleavage, and that's what it takes to sell your scrip, then you know you're in trouble," the rich-lister, with an estimated net worth of $700m, said.
The remarks have been widely condemned by business leaders, the Race Relations Commissioner and even the Prime Minister - and led KiwiSaver fund KiwiWealth to add Henry's company to a list of businesses it won't invest in.
But after days of radio silence from both Henry and DGL, the company's board has now addressed the incident for the first time.
In a statement released to NBR on Friday night, DGL's board said it has conveyed its "deep disappointment" to Henry.
"The Board considers the comments made to be completely inappropriate, unacceptable and offensive. Mr Henry agrees and has expressed genuine regret for his comments. He has apologised to Ms Lim," the statement reads.
Lim has since denied he'd made contact with her to apologise, but a DGL board spokesperson clarified to NBR that he tried to call her but couldn't get through, and has since "couriered" an apology to her.
"Understanding also that his comments are contrary to the culture of respect, diversity and inclusion encouraged and expected at DGL Group, Mr Henry has apologised to DGL's Board, staff and, by extension, to other stakeholders for any offence caused," the statement goes on.
"The Board has made clear to Mr Henry the high standards expected of him as a CEO and that the comments he has made have no place in DGL, or in the wider community.
"The Board will be taking steps to ensure there is no repeat of this incident."
