Lowe's is seeking to keep secret some of its documents in a discrimination case filed by an African-American ex-executive who says the home improvement chain unfairly fired him.
Michael Jones was chief custom officer until 2016 for the retailer based in Mooresville. His federal lawsuit alleges he was unfairly pitted against a white executive in a succession plan to take over for Robert Niblock as CEO. Jones wants $12.5 million, as well as other financial damages for emotional harm.
The Charlotte Observer reports Lowe's filed 13 exhibits under seal because it says they contain confidential business and proprietary information. Jones' attorneys say the documents should be available in open court. The lawsuit's next hearing is Jan. 23.
Niblock's successor became Marvin Ellison, now the company's first black CEO.
