Ninja Tune CEO Adrian Kemp steps back from role amid internal investigation

Ninja Tune CEO Adrian Kemp has stepped back from duties pending an internal investigation into allegations made against him, Resident Advisor reports.

Sources at Ninja Tune confirmed today (March 21) that the investigation is going ahead, and will be conducted by an independent, third-party HR company. Kemp will reportedly step back temporarily in the meantime, so as to not “prejudice this investigation in any way."

Though the nature of the allegations made against Kemp remains unconfirmed, a letter seen by Mixmag from the CEO's solicitors says he "vehemently denies" the claims.

In Kemp’s absence, Ninja Tune’s Head of Marketing Samantha Sissons will step up to his role alongside the label’s Head of Marketing Operations, Tess Kendall.

In a statement sent to Ninja Tune staff, seen by RA, the label explained that the “outcome of the investigation will be made available upon completion subject to any legal barriers". The statement also claims that Kemp will “continue to work in support of Sam and Tess but with a lower profile”.

Kemp was appointed Director of Ninja Tune in April 2017, according to Companies House, and was later made CEO in September of the same year.

Mixmag has contacted representatives of Ninja Tune. They gave no further comment.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter