Long-serving former Harrods executive Nigel Blow has slammed department store chain Fenwick, claiming it withdrew its offer of making him its chief executive because of his time working for Mohamed Al Fayed.

Blow worked for Al Fayed’s various companies for 14 years but has said he “never heard about or witnessed” any incidents of grooming, sexual assault or rape by his former employer in that time.

Despite this, Blow claims he has been judged “guilty by association” by Fenwick who had, prior to the publication of the allegations against Al Fayed, been set to offer him the role of chief executive.

Blow told the BBC: “I worked at Harrods in senior roles from 2002 to 2007. I can confirm that, during my time at the business, I never heard about or witnessed any such behaviour by Mr Al Fayed.

“I believe Fenwick’s action is unjustified, unfair and in breach of contract.”

Last Tuesday, Fenwick announced that Blow – who is currently chief executive of department store chain Morleys and had resigned to take up the new role – would no longer be taking up the position of chief executive in October.

Fenwick gave no reason as to why Blow would no longer be joining the business but issued a brief statement that said: “Nigel Blow has informed us that he will no longer be taking up this position.”

Blow claimed last Friday that the Newcastle-based chain’s chair Sian Westerman told him the decision was made “in order to safeguard the reputation of the Fenwick business”.

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