High-profile attorney departs from £36bn BHP lawsuit before impending verdict is announced
Tom Goodhead, the chief executive and co-founder of London-based law firm Pogust Goodhead, has stepped away from his role and is currently on leave. Alicia Alinia, the firm's chief operating officer, has taken over as the interim CEO.
This leadership change comes at a critical time, as Pogust Goodhead awaits a ruling from the High Court regarding its £36 billion class-action lawsuit against Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP. The lawsuit is concerning the collapse of the Samarco dam in Brazil in 2015, which resulted in the deaths of 19 people and contaminated waterways and land spanning several villages.
Pogust Goodhead has been leading the legal action accusing BHP and Vale of a conspiracy to evade paying the firm legal fees connected to large compensation settlements arising from the case in Brazil. Despite Goodhead's departure, Pogust Goodhead remains the lead law firm in the litigation, with Alinia now managing the firm's role.
The exact reasons for Goodhead's departure remain unclear, with no official comment from the firm. However, it is reported that the change may have been influenced by Gramercy Funds Management, which had invested heavily in the firm. Furthermore, Companies House records show that Huw Dolphin, a former DLA Piper restructuring partner, has taken control of 75% or more of the business shares and voting rights, indicating a significant shift in the firm's governance.
The ruling from the High Court regarding the lawsuit against BHP is pending. The leadership change at Pogust Goodhead may impact the outcome of the class-action lawsuit against BHP.
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[1] Financial Times, "Pogust Goodhead: Tom Goodhead steps down as CEO", link [2] The Guardian, "BHP faces £36bn class action in UK over Samarco dam disaster", link [3] Reuters, "BHP, Vale face £36 billion class action in UK over Samarco dam disaster", link
The leadership transition at Pogust Goodhead, Asia's leading law firm handling the £36 billion class-action lawsuit against the Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP, may impact the outcome of the case due to the sudden departure of Tom Goodhead, the firm's CEO. Meanwhile, individuals looking to invest can consider various options, such as AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown, InvestEngine, Trading 212, or Interactive Investor, each offering different investment products and services.
