John Hutchings

John is the current Chairman at Cornwalls. He is highly sought for his business acumen, strategic insights and lateral thinking in complex transactions and disputes. His clients view him as a trusted advisor, and his reputation and expertise inspire confidence. His particular expertise lies in mergers and acquisitions (shares, units and assets), corporate advice (including governance), general commercial documentation (including loan facilities and associated securities, terms of supply and terms of credit) and laterally inspired resolutions to disputes.

John is also highly regarded in the corporate reconstruction and insolvency arena. His areas of expertise include security interests, schemes of arrangement, deeds of company arrangement and advising on the unique elements associated with the disposal of assets of distressed companies. He has also played a significant role in shaping our culture and encouraging our growth, having been with the firm for over 40 years.

John’s experience includes:

• acting for the management team in the buyout of one of Australia’s largest mortgage originators;
• acting for the vendors of two major metropolitan bus lines;
• acting on the acquisition of a national civil construction company.

John has been a member of the boards of various Good Shepherd companies in Australia & New Zealand since 2005. GSANZ is a not-for-profit organisation that ensures sound governance, management and resourcing of Good Shepherd ministries and assets, and supports disadvantaged, marginalised and oppressed persons, families and communities.