Meghan Markle’s ambitious move to take on the role of CEO at American Riviera Orchard has hit a significant snag. Her offer to step into the role herself has been met with unanimous rejection from all potential candidates, exacerbating the brand’s ongoing staffing crisis.
This setback comes on the heels of several high-profile departures from Megan and Prince Harry’s Archewell organization, including the recent resignation of Chief of Staff Josh Kettler, who left just three months into the job.
The string of resignations has heightened concerns that Megan’s management style might be driving away top talent, leaving American Riviera Orchard in a precarious position.
A source close to the situation told Closer Magazine, “The numbers don’t lie. Nearly 20 staff members quitting is unprecedented, even for a startup.”
Further fueling the concerns, an insider described Megan and Harry as “tough taskmasters” who are very demanding and challenging to work for, adding to the worries about the brand’s future.
Despite Megan’s efforts to build excitement for the launch of American Riviera Orchard through branded strawberry jam jars sent to celebrity friends and teasers about a future rosé wine range, the brand has yet to officially debut any products. This delay has led to speculation that Megan is struggling to find the right leadership and resources to realize her vision.
Branding strategist Lucy Green told The Sun in July that the jams might have been an attempt to demonstrate proof of concept to potential talent and investors. Industry observers have noted the challenges facing the brand and some suggest these issues could reflect Megan’s own management style and interpersonal skills.
A former Archewell employee mentioned to NewsNation that Megan’s demanding nature and occasional condescension might be contributing to the difficulties in attracting and retaining staff.
The situation has led to a growing perception that Megan’s management approach is a key factor in the staffing crisis. Despite these mounting challenges, Megan remains undeterred, with sources close to her maintaining that she is still the current CEO of American Riviera Orchard.
However, the ongoing delays and staffing issues have only intensified speculation that Megan might be struggling to balance her entrepreneurial ambitions with the demands of her high-profile public persona.
As the saga of American Riviera Orchard continues, all eyes will remain on Megan Markle to see if she can navigate these obstacles and bring her vision to fruition, or if the brand’s difficulties will reflect her challenges in managing the complex world of business and leadership.