Dick Smith CEO, Nick Abboud tendered his resignation on Monday evening, effective immediately, according to a company statement from Ferrier Hodgson. Don Grover will take the reins as interim CEO and will assist the receivers and managers, James Stewart, Jim Sarantinos and Ryan Eagle, with the operations of the business as they work through the realisation and restructuring opportunities for the retailer.
Grover has more than 30 years of experience in the retail industry, formerly in the role of CEO and managing director of Retail Fusion Brands and the Dymocks Group of Companies, in addition to various operational roles at David Jones.
Abboud’s resignation follows the severe backlash from angry customers, Councillors and Senators on outstanding gift vouchers not being honoured and deposits not being refunded. See story: https://www.applianceretailer.com.au/2016/01/coles-to-honour-gift-vouchers/#.VpQ6Q7Z97cs
The news also follows action taken by Ferrier Hodgson to place advertisements online and in national and international newspapers to invite expressions of interest for the Dick Smith and Move businesses in Australia and New Zealand, to be submitted on or by 27 January 2016. See story: https://www.applianceretailer.com.au/2016/01/receiver-welcomes-over-30-interested-parties/#.VpQ57LZ97cs