Retail Food Group chairman retires

Retail Food Group chairman Colin Archer has retired with immediate effect, a month after the embattled Donut King owner reported a big full-year loss.

Retail Food Group chairman Colin Archer has retired with immediate effect, a month after the embattled Gloria Jean's and Donut King operator slumped to a $306.7 million full-year loss.

Mr Archer, who was chairman for the last five of his 10 years with the company, had already announced his intention to retire, and stepped down to give successor Stephen Lonie the opportunity to take over ahead of the company's annual general meeting.

Mr Archer's exit comes four months after chief executive Andre Nel quit amid the financial fallout of accusations Retail Food Group was badly-treating franchisees.

Shares in Retail Food Group last month hit an all-time low after falling more than 90 per cent in eight months as the firm tried to clean up following the accusations.

The company last month said it now plans to close 250 domestic stores - up from the previously announced 200 - by the end of the 2019 financial year.

"I leave satisfied that the company has the leadership to further develop and implement the turnaround strategies," Mr Archer said on Tuesday.

"New group CEO, Richard Hinson, in particular, has re-invigorated the company with enthusiasm, commitment and his industry knowledge."

Revenue for the 12 months to June 30 rose 7.1 per cent, but the company was forced to make $402.9 million in impairments and provisions to cover store closures, restructuring and a reduction in the value of its brands and assets.

Mr Lonie, a chartered accountant, has been an independent non-executive director of the company for five years.

At 1130 AEST, shares in Retail Food Group were up half a cent, or one per cent, at 50 cents.


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Source: AAP



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