Meghan Markle's latest entrepreneurial venture, American Riviera Orchard, is encountering significant setbacks as the search for a CEO continues to falter amidst high staff turnover and management challenges. The Duchess of Sussex's lifestyle brand, launched earlier this year with much fanfare, has yet to deliver any products to the public, raising questions about the brand's future and management structure.
The American Riviera Orchard, which was introduced with initial promotional efforts such as sending branded jams to high-profile influencers, has so far only produced these limited samples. Despite early excitement, including endorsements from celebrities like Kris Jenner and Chrissy Teigen, the brand has not yet made any official products available for sale.
According to a source close to the project, Meghan Markle's demanding management style has played a significant role in the ongoing difficulties. "The brutal reality is Harry and Meghan are the toughest of taskmasters," the source told Closer. "They are very demanding and difficult to work for, which puts a lot of people's backs up."
This recent scrutiny follows a notable departure within the Sussexes' team. Josh Kettler, who joined as Chief of Staff just three months ago, left the position under what was described as a "mutual decision." Kettler's exit just before a planned international tour with Harry and Meghan raised eyebrows and added to the brand's leadership instability. Kettler's departure was positioned as amicable, but reports suggest the fast-paced and high-pressure environment may have been a factor in his decision to step down.
Staff turnover has been a recurring issue for the Sussexes since their departure from royal duties. Notable exits have included Meghan's personal assistant Melissa Toubati and private secretary Samantha Cohen, among others. Cohen's resignation was particularly dramatic, with reports suggesting she felt the work environment was akin to "managing teenagers," and was subjected to intense pressure and criticism. These high-profile departures reflect broader difficulties within the couple's operations, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining stable and effective leadership.
Moreover, Meghan Markle's previous staff issues extend beyond her lifestyle brand. A third-party investigation into allegations of bullying against her was conducted by the palace in 2021, though the results were never publicly disclosed. Markle's team denied the allegations, describing them as part of a "calculated smear campaign."
Despite the challenges, Meghan Markle remains dedicated to her brand's vision, which includes a broad range of lifestyle products such as soaps, creams, and bath oils. The brand's focus on home, food, and garden goods reflects Markle's personal interests and passions. However, as of August 2024, American Riviera Orchard has yet to announce a confirmed release date for its products.
The difficulties in appointing a CEO and retaining staff are casting a shadow over the brand's potential success. "The numbers don't lie, and to have almost 20 members of staff quitting on them tells its own story," a branding expert noted. This level of turnover is unusual for a startup and suggests deeper issues within the company's management and operational approach.
