Wayne Pacelle, CEO and president of animal-rights activist group Humane Society of the United States, has announced his resignation following reports of sexual harassment allegations. The allegations about Pacelle’s behavior dated back to 2005, and three settlements were offered to women who were, according to the Huffington Post, demoted or dismissed after speaking up about his behavior.

The HSUS Board of Directors originally voted to end an investigation into Pacelle’s behavior last week. Seven members of the 31-member board resigned following a vote to keep Pacelle.

Pacelle originally denied the allegations, claiming in an interview that they were part of “this coordinated campaign against the Humane Society,” reports the New York Times. He eventually announced to the HSUS staff on late Friday that he was stepping aside to let the search for a successor begin.

Sources: Huffington Post, New York Times