Deathly silence at IMG Artists
mainTwo days after the snap dismissal of COO and General Counsel Lorna Aizlewood, there has been no statement from IMG Artists, either about the circumstances of its beheading or about its future.
No statement has been issued to confirm or rebut our exclusive report.
The only official word is that Ms Aizlewood is ‘on gardening leave’. Smoking in the shrubbery? We think not.
Her lawyers will be taking very sharp secaturs to the reachable parts of IMG’s bosses (pictured).
Miss Aizelwood has been telling staff at IMG–in the London office at least–for some time now that she was planning to resign. She did not make any friends there with this approach, in fact staff unfailingly wished she would go. At last! They have their wish and so does she.
We have spoken to several IMG staff. None was aware of her desire to leave. She was highly popular and did not leave of her own accord.
Lorna Aizlewood is a much admired and respected leader and colleague. We can and have confirmed that she is currently on gardening leave, and as we are working towards an arrangement have no further comment on that at this time.
However – as you have the audacity to speak on behalf of the London team – as actual members of the London team, let us correct you. We love and admire Lorna. In addition to being an outstanding leader, she has been a mentor and friend – and on this will continue to be so. Your comment is unfair and untrue.
Regards,
IMGA London
“Garden leave” (or gardening leave) describes the practice where an employee leaving a job – having resigned or otherwise had their employment terminated – is instructed to stay away from work during the notice period, while still remaining on the payroll.
I don’t know what to make out of the Slipped Disc reports on IMG artists. I see a pattern in the negative headlines they routinely get. Here are a few samples:
Now IMG Artists rips off its own agents, January 7, 2015
IMG Artists spirals deeper into loss, December 1, 2014
IMG Artists in disarray as prized agent flies off, September 28, 2014
Blood hits the walls at IMG Artists, September 20, 2014