Fidelity CEO Abigail Johnson decided to fire Gavin Baker, 41, after his 26-year-old accuser, an equity research analyst, filed a complaint with the Boston-based asset manager’s human resources department, the source noted this month. Baker managed the $14.6 billion Fidelity OTC Portfolio.
“Gavin left Fidelity amicably a few weeks before planning to become engaged to his longtime girlfriend who is an analyst and fund manager there, as he believe his new fiancee and he should not work at the same firm,” a spokeswoman for Baker said in a statement. “After a great 18 years at Fidelity that he’s very grateful to have experienced he’s excited to begin a new job later this month.”
A spokesman for Fidelity would not comment on Baker, but noted “however, speaking generally, when allegations of these sorts arise, we investigate them immediately and take prompt and appropriate action.” A spokesman for Baker said that he “strenuously” denies any “supposed” allegations of sexual harassment, according to The Wall Street Journal. The Wall Street Journal also reported that other junior employees lodged complaints to management about Baker.