He also said he thinks “there is no such thing as unconscious bias” and that the concept is “complete and utter nonsense” – a term that the Daily Mail blew into the video but was widely covered by the British media.
A KPMG spokesman said they couldn’t confirm the words Michael used, but they did confirm to CNN that the video published on the Daily Mail was from Monday’s town hall meeting. The spokesperson said Michael was asked at the meeting about some of his personal reflections on a wide variety of topics, including life in lockdown.
“I am really sorry that my words have caused pain among my colleagues and for the impact this week’s events have had on them,” Michael said in a statement Friday. “In light of this, I consider my position to be untenable and so I have decided to leave the office.”
Board member Bina Mehta is acting as Acting Chairman, and Mary O’Connor, Head of Customers and Markets, has assumed Michael’s day-to-day leadership responsibilities.
KPMG said it would launch a leadership election “in due course”.
CNN has contacted Michael for comment.