LONDON, March 31 (Reuters) - Associated British Foods ( ASBFF )

said the boss of its Primark clothing business, Paul

Marchant, had resigned with immediate effect following an

allegation made by an individual about his behaviour towards her

in a social environment.

Primark, the successful fast fashion chain, contributes

about half of group profit for AB Foods.

The group said on Monday that Marchant had cooperated with

an investigation led by external lawyers, acknowledged his

"error of judgement" and accepted that his actions fell below

the standards expected by AB Foods.

Eoin Tonge, AB Foods' finance director, will act as Primark

chief executive on an interim basis working with the senior

Primark management team and Primark's Strategic Advisory Board,

while Joana Edwards, AB Foods' financial controller, will act as

interim finance director.

AB Foods said Marchant, who had led Primark since 2009, has

apologised to the individual concerned, the AB Foods board and

also to his Primark colleagues and others connected to the

business.

It said the group would continue to offer support to the

individual who brought this behaviour to its attention.

"I am immensely disappointed. At ABF, we believe that

high standards of integrity are essential," said CEO George

Weston.

"Acting responsibly is the only way to build and manage

a business over the long term. Colleagues and others must be

treated with respect and dignity. Our culture has to be, and is,

bigger than any one individual."