After Harry Stonecipher, the Boeing CEO in 2005, departed due to emails that revealed a relationship with a female Boeing executive, one would think that all CEO;s would have been put on notice. Don't write down inappropriate activity. It is possible -- although not a sure thing -- that it happened again.
Last month, the resignation of Starwood Hotel's CEO, Steven Heyer, was widely reported in the business media. The Associated Press reported from a news release, "differences in opinion regarding Mr. Heyer's management style led the board 'to lose confidence in his leadership.'” Forbes said, Heyer's "aggressive approach and his larger-than-life persona (were) ... rumored to turn board members against him."
However, the Wall Street Journal, intrigued by Heyer's decision to resign without most of his $35 million severance package, investigated further. Their conclusion is that he was caught by email.
The abrupt departure of Steven J. Heyer from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. followed a confrontation with the company's board ignited by an anonymous letter accusing him of personal misconduct, according to people familiar with the situation. ...
After investigating claims made in the anonymous letter, sent to directors about two months ago, the board pressed Mr. Heyer to explain the large number of emails and text messages to and from female employees on a variety of topics outside normal working hours. They also questioned him about his hiring and promotion practices. ...