Drury, who founded the payroll management business in 2006, has now released a statement denying \u201cany allegation of wrongdoing\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommunications show a friendship over the course of two years and that Ally was a willing participant in that limited relationship,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat friendship was based on us working closely together and having children of a similar age. We spent time together socially, including her arranging a visit to my holiday home over summer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xero founder Sir Rod Drury denies \u201cany allegation of wrongdoing\u201d and says he has always tried to be open and honest.<\/p>\n
Stuff reported Naylor first raised concerns in a conversation with her boss in 2016, who suggested she speak to the company\u2019s HR department.<\/p>\n
But she decided against taking formal action at the time because she was a solo mother and feared for her career progression.<\/p>\n
Then in 2017, on her last day of employment, Naylor wrote a formal complaint to Xero saying \u201cit\u2019s hard to put into words how this has impacted me emotionally\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a range of emotions from shame, confusion, fear, to anger and hopelessness. Hopelessness because of the power imbalance between the CEO and me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drury said he had not been aware Naylor viewed the relationship as \u201canything but consensual and mutual\u201d until Xero\u2019s investigation.<\/p>\n
He said he had believed the matter had been closed when the Xero probe concluded, noting he stayed on the board for several years, and it was \u201cdeeply upsetting\u201d the allegations had been raised again.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout my life I have always tried to be open and honest. This difficult situation is no different and it is why I am making this statement today,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Drury said he felt the need to provide context now \u201cto set the record straight\u201d for his and his family\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do not intend to engage in public back-and-forth on private matters or cause further distress to those involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Naylor told the Herald she stands by her allegation there was \u201cunwanted and inappropriate sexual contact\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cA formal complaint is not made lightly, particularly by a junior employee against a well-known CEO, at personal and professional risk,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am co-operating fully with New Zealand Police and welcome the independent review being led by Maria Dew, KC.\u201d<\/p>\n
The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office told the Herald representatives had been in touch with the businessman <\/a>since learning of the allegations, and no evidence or cause for concern came to light during the awards judging process.<\/p>\n Drury hoped the scandal did not \u201cdissuade\u201d others from putting themselves forward for awards.<\/p>\n He wanted \u201cto continue focusing on the New Zealand Inc projects, thought leadership and the many philanthropic initiatives I\u2019ve dedicated my post-career life to\u201d.<\/p>\n