Shepparton Partners Collective’s former CEO Robert Giles settles legal dispute

Neil Brimacombe took over from Robert Giles in July.

Shepparton Partners Collective and former CEO Robert Giles, who was succeeded by Neil Brimacombe in July, have come to a legal agreement.

Giles had a problem with the Australian food industry supposedly because they broke the rules of their agreement by not paying him his wages and holiday pay after he left the company located in Goulburn Valley.

On August 14th, he lodged a lawsuit against Shepparton Partners Collective (SPC) and its chairman, Hussein Rifai, in the Federal Court of Australia located in Melbourne. According to court records, the lawsuit is connected to a violation of terms and conditions.

The legal matter reached a resolution on the 21st of August, as stated in official court documents, clarifying that the request had been "rejected". Giles personally informed Just Food through a post on LinkedIn that he had reached a settlement agreement regarding the lawsuit filed against SPC. It should be noted that SPC had acquired the SPC Ardmona fruit and vegetable enterprise from Coca-Cola Amatil back in 2019.

SPC refused to give a statement regarding the case. "Due to privacy concerns, we won't discuss individual employees and therefore, we cannot offer any additional information," the company informed Just Food.

In the meantime, Brimacombe has been chosen to "take charge of SPC's journey towards expansion and advancement", as stated in an official announcement. The company is a collaboration between investors Perma Funds Management - led by managing director Rifai - and The Eights, a private-equity firm based in Sydney.

Brimacombe has worked in the fast-moving consumer goods industry for quite some time, starting with a job at Tiger Brands, a company that specializes in food and beverages in South Africa. He has also worked for Consumer Rock International, a consulting firm, in his most recent role.

"We are thrilled to welcome Neil on board as the newest CEO of SPC. His vast expertise and exceptional abilities in guiding teams make him the perfect individual to steer the company towards future endeavors. We have every confidence that Neil's valuable strategic perspectives and undeniable enthusiasm for our industry will drive SPC towards unprecedented achievements," Rifai expressed with contentment.

SPC is the proud owner of the renowned label that offers baked beans and canned fruits, along with the Goulburn Valley fruits and the Ardmona range of preserved fruits and vegetables. Just last year, SPC took the initiative to introduce its remarkable brand in New Zealand.

In the year 2020, the company acquired a controlling interest in the ready-meals provider Kuisine Co. In the preceding year, it divested the IXL jams and Taylor's marinades division to Kyabram Jam Company.

SPC observed that Brimacombe's "strategic plan will concentrate on capitalizing on new developments, promoting creativity, strengthening sustainability efforts, and speeding up pertinent acquisitions and global expansion projects."

Brimacombe stated: "It is a privilege for me to be in charge of SPC, a company with a remarkable history and a solid dedication to excellence and creativity. I am excited to collaborate closely with the skilled staff at SPC to stimulate progress, broaden our presence in the market, and provide exceptional products to customers all around the globe."