High profile class action firm Pogust Goodhead has robustly defended itself from allegations of misconduct over its former chief executive's spending at the firm.
A spokesperson said it had ‘put this chapter firmly behind us’ following a report from The Times alleging that Tom Goodhead had improperly used investment funds intended for litigation on personal spending, including private jets and helicopters. Goodhead denies the allegations against him.
An internal investigation and report into alleged misconduct was commissioned by the firm’s new board, according to The Times. The new board was appointed after Goodhead, the firm’s co-founder, was replaced as chief executive and his appointment as director terminated over the summer. Three new board directors were appointed, including new chief executive Alicia Alinia, who served as chief operating officer at Pogust Goodhead since 2022.
A spokesperson for Pogust Goodhead said: 'The individuals concerned are no longer employed by Pogust Goodhead, following decisive action taken by the board. The alleged conduct is deeply concerning and does not reflect the values or standards of the firm today. Pogust Goodhead is now run by an experienced independent board and leadership team with a robust governance structure in place.
‘We have put this chapter firmly behind us, and we remain fully focused on supporting our people and securing the best possible outcomes for our clients.’
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Pogust Goodhead is currently awaiting judgment in litigation against mining giant BHP over the 2015 Fundão dam collapse in Minas Gerais, Brazil. In October, its application to the High Cout to be replaced as co-lead in the Pan NOx ‘dieselgate’ class action was refused by Lady Justice Cockerill, sitting as a judge of the High Court.
At the time of making the application the firm said it was a ‘pragmatic step made to ensure the recent speculation and misinformation about Pogust Goodhead was not a distraction from the trial itself’.
