Class action law firm Pogust Goodhead has added a trio of new directors to its board, in a leadership shake-up that according to media reports has also seen chief executive Tom Goodhead replaced.
The Financial Times reported on Thursday (7 August) that chief operating officer Alicia Alinia had taken over the chief executive role on an interim basis following tension with the firm’s principal backer, US investment manager Gramercy, which formed a $553m investment partnership with the firm in 2023.
Goodhead, who will remain on the firm’s board, was “on leave” according to an internal memo seen by the Financial Times.
The firm, which was founded in 2018 by Goodhead, a barrister, and US lawyer Harris Pogust, made its name with litigation relating to the diesel emissions scandal and is currently awaiting judgment in the £36bn Mariana Dam litigation against mining giant BHP. Pogust left the firm last year, retiring from his role as chairman in December having ceased active involvement in the UK in March.
In a statement, the firm said: “International law firm Pogust Goodhead has appointed three additional members to its board.
“The appointments have been made with the aim of providing further experienced law firm management support to ensure that the firm remains well-positioned to serve the best interests of its clients.
“Joining Tom Goodhead is Howard Morris, former CEO of Dentons; Joseph Moreno, former global litigation partner at Cadwalader; and Alicia Alinia, who has been part of the senior management team for nearly four years. The newly appointed directors bring a strong combination of legal, regulatory and business expertise.
“Pogust Goodhead continues to work tirelessly in the best interests of its clients, who are paramount. With the landmark judgment on the Mariana dam disaster due soon and the NOx emissions litigation coming to trial in October, it promises to be a successful year for our clients and for our firm.
“The firm’s funders continue to believe in the strength of the litigation and will continue to provide funding to support its efforts.”
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