Eiffel Tower operator CEO resigns after staff controversy

The chief executive of the company that operates the Eiffel Tower, Patrick Branco Ruivo, is stepping down following controversy over the removal of female staff from the monument during a visit by a Hindu delegation in September, DPA reported.

SETE, the company that operates the Eiffel Tower, said on Tuesday that the exclusion of female employees on the day of the delegation’s visit was unacceptable, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

An internal investigation identified a number of shortcomings and irregularities in the way the visit was organized, the company said.

Following the incident involving the religious group, SETE will establish an independent protocol department and introduce new measures and training aimed at promoting gender equality.

Shortly after the incident, the Eiffel Tower operator acknowledged that removing female staff from the third floor of the monument at the request of the Hindu delegation had been a mistake.

Employees subsequently staged a one-day strike in protest, forcing the Eiffel Tower to close for the day.

The incident also drew condemnation from politicians.

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