FCA's Rosso suspended as Kaida chairman after harassment allegations

Pablo Rosso [FCA Korea]

The Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (Kaida) has suspended its chairman on July 29, following accusations of sexual harassment and physical abuse.

Pablo Rosso, who is also managing director of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Korea (FCA Korea), could eventually be ousted from the chairmanship should the accusations prove true.

"The allegations mentioned by the press come from FCA Korea, where Mr.Rosso acts as a president & managing director, and are unrelated to Kaida," a Kaida statement said.

"Nevertheless, we determined that quick and firm action must be taken at this stage to ensure rights and interests of members of the association, where 22 automobile and commercial vehicle makers are affiliated, as well as to fully live up to expectations internally and externally."

The decision was made at an emergency meeting of the association on July 28.

In a petition filed on the Blue House website on July 22, Rosso is accused of making comments of a sexual nature and physically abusing employees.

The petition claimed that Rosso "forced male employees to say which female employee they liked the most and would like to have sexual relations with."

The petitioner also went on to say that Rosso "slapped employees in the face, hit their heads and struck their bodies with sticks" at the office.

A total of 1,008 people signed the Blue House petition as of the morning of July 29.

FCA Korea suspended Rosso from duties on July 24.

Kaida said Daniel Rim, vice chairman of the association, will take up the chairmanship duties. The association said it may take further action following the conclusion of the auto maker's investigation.

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]