A former senior executive at Ohio property developer Thrive Companies has sued the business and former chief executive Kevin Zeppernick, alleging sexual harassment, assault, discrimination and retaliation. The case matters because it raises questions about workplace conduct and the company’s response to complaints, while the allegations remain unproven and will be tested in court.

The lawsuit, filed in Franklin County in April, includes alleged text-message exchanges and claims that Zeppernick made unwanted sexual advances and that other executives made inappropriate remarks. It says the claimant was sidelined, denied promotion and dismissed after complaining; she is seeking more than $25,000 in damages. Thrive says it dismissed Zeppernick in 2025 for breaching its personal-conduct policy, while current executives say many of the claims are demonstrably false and the company will defend itself.