Essential has had quite a tough time over the past several months. While it generated quite the buzz when it first landed, a few missteps, and the firm and its handset were seen in a less than favorable light. Despite this, the company has managed to claw its way back from the brink, engaging more with its consumers and also discounting the handset to an incredible price. Now, it looks like the firm will have more to deal with, as founder and CEO Andy Rubin has taken a leave of absence citing personal reasons.
The leave comes after the release of a story by The Information, detailing the circumstances of his departure from Google in 2014. He allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a woman who he worked with at the time, with a complaint being filed with human resources. While there aren't any details, Rubin’s spokesperson Mike Sitrick denies the leave has to do with the recent story and states that "any relationship that Mr. Rubin had while at Google was consensual” and that he "was never told by Google that he engaged in any misconduct while at Google and he did not, either while at Google or since.”
The Information reported that the investigation by Google found that Rubin's "behavior was improper and showed bad judgment.”
Currently, Niccolo de Masi, who is Essential’s president, will take over the day to day duties of being CEO during Rubin's absence.
Source: The Information via The Verge | Image via Andy Rubin
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