Toronto's Drake Hotel CEO Steps Down Amid Accusations of Racism

BY Allie GregoryPublished Jul 3, 2020

During last month's social media "blackout" response to racial injustice, Toronto's Drake Hotel came under fire for participating in the event while also allegedly engaging in racist and discriminatory practices. Now, the Drake's CEO Jeff Stober is stepping down.

Stober announced the move in a letter addressed to Drake staff — obtained by NOW Magazine today.

"It is exactly the right time to promote the next generation of leaders at the Drake to move us forward with conviction and compassion," Stober wrote in the letter.

Stober will remain on the board of directors and has named the Drake's executive team as his replacement. Going forward, Scott Hart, Ana Yuristy and Andy Sennin will run the venue in his place.

According to Hart, Stober's retirement was already imminent prior to the recent controversy.

Stober's announcement follows multiple accounts from self-identified former employees of the company's alleged avoidance of "urban crowds," as well as the poor treatment of Black employees, the sale of pro-police merchandise and unsatisfactory HR practices.

After reports of these accounts emerged, the hotel issued an apology, stating, "As an organization, we have failed some and for this, we are deeply sorry," and adding, "We are seizing the moment to make systematic, everlasting change so that the Drake can be a catalyst for change in the hospitality industry and a platform for more Black and diverse voices to be heard."

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