Rapp hits back at ‘outrageous’ claims about Orlov

orlov-hed-2016Rapp has mounted a stiff defence of its decision to sack former US chief Greg Andersen, branding his allegations against the agency as “outrageous” and “gross mischaracterisations”.
Anderson unleashed a scathing attack on global chief executive Alexei Orlov (pictured) in a lawsuit against the agency last month, which accused him of discrimination, retaliation and wrongful dismissal.
But now Rapp has filed a response to that suit, which alleges Andersen had failed in his “basic duties” towards the agency and that he had “failed to engage” with Rapp’s clients and its senior executives.
It adds that Andersen was given “repeated warnings” before his dismissal, which it described as “lawful and appropriate”.
The response added: “Indeed, by contributing so little as Rapp US’s president, Mr Andersen has demonstrated that both he and position were unnecessary – Rapp has not hired a successor and has no plans to do so.”
However, Rapp does not tackle specific claims about how Orlov allegedly made references to multiple unnamed women as “fat cows”, told a Jewish employee he was happy because he was “miserly with money” and told a meeting of 70 employees that “[If you] mess with my brand or my direction…I will break off your finger and shove it up your ass”.
Instead, it simply describes Andersen’s claims as “outrageous” and “gross mischaracterisations”.
In a statement, released after the original lawsuit was filed, the Omnicom agency said: “Rapp is aware that Greg Andersen has filed a complaint and denies that any unlawful conduct occurred. Mr Anderson’s position with Rapp was eliminated and we are not able to comment further. Rapp has, and enforces, policies prohibiting discrimination and retaliation on the basis of gender, race, age, disability, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.”

Related stories
Jason Andrews exits Rapp as top exodus continues
Rapp rocked as fired exec slams ‘destructive’ Orlov
Kitcatt exodus grows as Golik joins Rapp as ECD
Rapp appoints new global chief
Rapp ‘lifer’ Haworth joins Wunderman
Perkins exits Rapp as new senior team takes shape
Sam Nolan exits Rapp after 20 years