HanesBrands Inc. (HBI) is facing a class action lawsuit. The news came several days after the company made two big announcements — one focused on finances and the other on sustainability.

The company faces a new federal class action lawsuit that alleges its negligence caused by a May 2022 data breach that exposed the personal information of thousands of employees. According to a report shared by Bloomberg Law, Veronica Roman (the plaintiff) alleges in the lawsuit that “the breach was the direct result of the company’s failure to encrypt employees’ information and implement adequate cybersecurity procedures to protect their information.”

The lawsuit goes on to state that the information exposed includes names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and other personal information.

The news comes after two unrelated announcements from the company. Due to family reasons, Chief Financial Officer Michael Dastugue has resigned, effective Feb. 28, 2023. Scott Lewis, chief accounting officer/controller, will serve as the interim CFO, allowing the company to take the needed time to select the best candidate for the role.

HanesBrands notes that Dastugue’s departure is not the result of any dispute, and he’ll serve as a financial consultant through the second quarter of 2023.

“On behalf of our Board, our management team, and the entire HanesBrands family, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Michael for his leadership and significant contributions to our company,” Steve Bratspies, CEO, says in a press release. “Michael has been a great partner to me personally. I value his friendship, and I respect his request to spend more time with his family.”

Dastugue adds, “I have sincerely enjoyed working with the entire HanesBrands team, and I’m truly appreciative of the organization for understanding my desire to spend more time with my family.”

CDP Recognition for Sustainability

On the sustainability front, CDP recognizes HanesBrands for its leadership. The apparel manufacturer received an A- score on the global CDP annual sustainability disclosures across two areas of environmental impact: climate change and water security. For scoring, CDP looks at a company’s overall progress toward environmental stewardship, comprehensive disclosure, awareness, management, and leadership.

According to a press release from the company, the A- score for water security is the highest HBI has received from CDP in that category, ranking in the top 11% of companies assessed in climate change and the top 12% for water security. HanesBrands’ ownership of a majority of its manufacturing and supply chain operations allows for oversight of sustainability practices.

“This achievement is the result of our worldwide associates who work tirelessly to achieve ambitious sustainability goals,” says Bratspies.