Tag Archives: allegations

News, Technology

Women Accuse Contracting Firm of Intrusive Pre-Employment Questions at Bill Gates’ Ventures

According to a recent statement, a spokesperson from Gates Ventures denies any knowledge of inappropriate questions being asked during the screening process in their 15+ years of operation. They confirm that no job offers have been rescinded based on such information.

The security company named in the report is Concentric Advisors, accused of conducting these alleged applicant assessments. In response, Concentric Advisors states that while applicants may provide such information voluntarily, they never requested those details. The Wall Street Journal, however, claims to have reviewed documents, including one that describes a consent form for a “behavioral assessment” covering previous drug and alcohol use. The document states that the assessment would help determine the applicant’s “suitability for employment.”

The core concern revolves around the potential violation of employment laws if such questioning did occur. Concentric Advisors asserts compliance with pre-employment screening regulations and an internal email leaked to Gates Ventures employees reportedly indicates that the company was unaware of any such questions being asked.

Motorsport

Nissan Investigating Allegations That CEO Spied on COO: Report

Nissan is currently looking into claims that its CEO, Makoto Uchida, conducted surveillance on Ashwani Gupta, the company’s departing Chief Operating Officer (COO). Hari Nada, a senior adviser for Nissan, has alleged that Uchida was attempting to gather information to remove Gupta, whom Uchida saw as an obstacle to reaching a new agreement with Renault.

The allegations of surveillance were first reported by the Financial Times and were brought to light by Nada in a letter dated April 19, addressed to the independent directors on Nissan’s board. Reuters, who also obtained a copy of the letter, states that Nada mentions Uchida monitoring Gupta for a “long period of time.” The letter also reveals tensions within Nissan’s senior management regarding the relationship with Renault and concerns about intellectual property transfers.

Gupta, who became COO of Nissan in 2019, had raised questions about the terms of the revised agreement with Renault. Uchida, seeking to finalize the deal, reportedly placed Gupta under surveillance in an attempt to gather information that could be used against him. Gupta announced his departure earlier this month. Previously, Gupta played a crucial role in Nissan’s efforts to streamline its operations and was seen as a potential candidate for the CEO position.

When asked for a comment on the investigation, a spokesperson for Nissan stated, “Independent third parties have been retained to verify facts and carry out appropriate actions.” Nissan neither confirmed nor denied the surveillance allegations and did not provide details about the individuals conducting the investigation. The company also declined to provide further comments on the matter.

Ashwani Gupta’s departure from Nissan raises concerns about the future leadership of the company and its alliance with Renault. The accusations of surveillance and internal disagreements further contribute to the perceived instability within Nissan. The company intends to disclose details of its leadership changes in an upcoming announcement to shed light on the direction it plans to take.

This scandal comes at a time when Nissan is already dealing with the aftermath of a tumultuous period involving its former CEO, Carlos Ghosn. Ghosn was previously accused of concealing income and faced other financial charges five years ago. He was placed under house arrest in Japan but managed to escape to Lebanon with the assistance of a private security firm by hiding in an instrument box. Currently, Interpol has issued a red notice for his arrest.