Eiffel Tower CEO quits after staff swap sparks gender backlash

Tue Sep 29 2026 19:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Eiffel Tower’s chief steps down after women were replaced by men for a Hindu group’s visit, sparking strikes and calls for equality.

The Eiffel Tower’s director general, Patrick Branco Ruivo, will resign at the end of the year after an internal probe found that female staff were removed to accommodate a Hindu delegation that requested no female interactions. The move sparked a staff strike, brought criticism from French politicians and gender‑equality advocates, and led the tower to close temporarily. The incident has prompted new gender‑equality training initiatives and sparked debate about religious accommodations in public spaces. Ruivo’s departure marks an institutional shift and a chance to reinforce inclusive policies. It highlights the power of front‑line staff activism in protecting women’s workplace rights.

What happened?

When the BAPS Hindu group in Paris asked the Eiffel Tower to limit female interactions, the tower’s staff were told to step back. Female employees were instructed to stay out of certain areas and, in some instances, were replaced by men.

The move caused staff to walk out, the landmark closed for a few hours, and the incident was condemned by France’s National Assembly president and the city’s mayor.

SET, the company that owns the Eiffel Tower, said an internal probe found the decision was “unacceptable.” It sparked calls for gender‑equality training and new policies.

The chief executive, Patrick Branco Ruivo, who’s led the tower since 2018, will step down at the end of the year. The board says the transition will be smooth and that the new leader will uphold inclusive values.

BAPS apologized for the “pain or inconvenience” caused, urging respect and service for all. But critics say the practice of separating men and women has no place in modern public spaces.

What does this mean for the future? Fans of the Eiffel Tower can now expect stronger gender‑equity safeguards and a renewed commitment to welcoming everyone.