Former AMA CEO Andy Hopkins resigned as CEO over the weekend and the board has appointed Carl Bizon as the new CEO. This was despite reportedly being granted an injunction to prevent his removal as CEO.
An ASX announcement today said that the company would be pursuing Hopkins for $1million following an expense and bonuses probe.
It is reported that Hopkins wanted to retain his position as director however the announcement stated: "Having resigned as Chief Executive officer on 31 January 2021, and under the terms of Mr Hopkins’ employment contract, Mr Hopkins is required to immediately resign from the Board of the Company. The Board expects to receive notice of his resignation from the Board forthwith.
"Mr Hopkins resignation follows an independent investigation into his conduct by McGrath Nicol. The Company has begun a formal process to recover a sum approximating $1million."
On the appointment of the new CEO company Chair Anthony Day said: “The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Carl. Carl is a proven senior executive with extensive leadership skills and experience to successfully lead the business to its full potential. Having been a non-executive director of AMA since February 2020, Carl knows the business well and it will allow a seamless leadership transition.”
Carl Bizon said: “I am excited to be joining the business as Chief Executive Officer. As a member of the Board over the past year, I have developed a thorough understanding of the business. The business is well positioned to capitalise on growth opportunities, despite the uncertainty created by the pandemic. I look forward to working with the AMA leadership team to deliver continued growth and development of the business”.
Bizon served as president and CEO at Horizon Global Corporation since October 29, 2018 until September 23, 2019 (a designer, manufacturer and distributor of a range of custom-engineered towing, trailering, cargo management and other products serving the automotive aftermarket, retail and original equipment (OE) channels). Bizon also served as Chief Executive Officer at Jayco Corporation in Australia.