Public Relations and Media Handling on Executive Exits

Departing executives often aim to carefully manage the perception and understanding of their exit, both within and outside the organisation. How an executive handles their departure can significantly influence future relationships with their former employer, clients, peers, and colleagues. While some may want to 'burn bridges, this is rarely a good strategy and one we recommend avoiding.

Restoring confidence amongst clients and stakeholders

Even in less amicable departures, there are advantages to securing the exit on the most favourable terms possible, avoiding any damage to the confidence of clients or stakeholders. While internal disputes may be of no interest to external parties, a loss of confidence in the departing executive can jeopardise potential opportunities that the executive and employer might have otherwise secured.

Often, announcements can be agreed between the departing executive and the employer as part of a package of measures adopted on exit and incorporated within a settlement agreement.

Typically, an announcement will be made internally to staff, and an alternate one will be provided to clients and other stakeholders. The former is frequently more personal in nature and may thank colleagues for their support and friendship. The latter is intended to maintain confidence in client and stakeholder relationships and avoid 'upsetting the apple cart' due to the executive's exit.

Long-standing clients may be anxious following the exit of a reliable business connection. An effective announcement alongside the introduction of a successor can support that relationship.

In some circumstances, an employer may seek professional public relations advice to address what may be severe or even criminal wrongdoing by a departing executive, which may be likely to attract negative publicity towards the employer.

We can provide advice and guidance on the content and appropriateness of all announcements and employment references to ease the path towards a well-managed and orderly exit. We also have connections in the public relations industry should a situation arise that may give rise to critical or negative publicity across mainstream social media and specialist press.

Get in touch

Please get in touch with our Employment Litigation team for friendly advice and support. You can contact us on 023 8063 9311 or email enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk.