Corporate ban for renowned Sydney chef

Chef Justin North and his wife have been banned from managing corporations following the liquidation of their three Sydney ventures in 2012.

Becasse, Etch and North Food Catering all went into liquidation in June and July 2012, with debts totalling more than $7 million.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission found he couple had “failed to exercise their powers and discharge their director’s duties with the requisite degree of care and diligence”.

It consequently placed a ban on running a business of two years on North, and 18 months on his wife, Georgina.

“ASIC's power to disqualify directors of failed companies is an important preventative measure used by ASIC to safeguard the public interest,” ASIC commissioner Greg Tanzer said.