John Melluish FCA GAICD
John commenced his insolvency career in 1985 at B O Smith and Son, which shortly merged with the mid-tier accounting firm of Horwath & Horwath. The existing insolvency partners then left the firm to join the specialist firm of Ferrier Hodgson, which John joined in 1987.
At that time, Ferrier Hodgson enjoyed rapid expansion to deal with the many large businesses which became insolvent during the recession of the early 1990’s.
Ferrier Hodgson became Australasia’s leading specialist insolvency firm and John was appointed as a partner in 1998. During a period of 18 years as a partner of the firm, John undertook all forms of personal and corporate insolvency, leading teams of staff in the management of large scale retailers such as the Discount Retail Group, Borders, Angus & Robertson and many more.
During the GFC John led the firm’s specialist Property and Construction team whilst also gaining specialist qualifications in that area.
With a career spanning 40 years, John has earned the respect and trust of his clients and peers and is now regularly engaged to assist businesses navigating solvency concerns, as well as acting as an expert witness in all insolvency related matters.
Education
- Bachelor of Economics
- Graduate Diploma in Advanced Insolvency Law
- Graduate Diploma in Property Investment & Development
Memberships & Certifications
- Registered Liquidator (1998)
- Trustee in Bankruptcy (1997)
- Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia & New Zealand
- Life member of ARITA (Australian Restructuring, Insolvency and Turnaround Association)
- Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
The Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association (ARITA) represents practitioners and other associated professionals who specialise in the fields of restructuring, insolvency and turnaround. John was a Board member of ARITA for 10 years including 2 years as National President and 3 years as a Director and Treasurer of lnsol International.
During this time John liaised with various government departments regarding amendments to the Bankruptcy Act and the Corporations Act as it concerned insolvency issues. He was instrumental in bringing about the IPA (now ARITA) Code of Conduct as well as the requirement for Practitioners to provide creditors with detailed remuneration reports.
John continues to be an active member of ARITA and in 2023 was honoured to have been made a life member.