Extraordinary pressure mounts on CEO Nick Abboud.
Just days after Dick Smith released its second downgrade in a month, opening a Pandora’s box of challenges for the CE industry, former Big W head of trade and family entertainment, Algy Pereira (pictured) has suddenly been parachuted into the company as director of retail operations.
The news of this appointment is likely to bring some confidence back to shareholders who have deserted the retailer in the wake of the latest downgrade.
However, Pereira is not likely to lend a hand for several months as he serves out a non-compete period negotiated with his former employer.
It’s believed that Pereira had been talking to Dick Smith about the role for some time but the company has denied that he has been brought in as an immediate replacement for Abboud. The company has oddly described it “as part of internal succession planning.”