Hearing date for Domecq boss

DRINKS giant Allied Domecq will dismiss chief marketing officer Kim Manley without compensation if he is found guilty of misconduct at a disciplinary hearing.

Manley, 46, was suspended as head of the multi-million marketing budget in September over allegations of personal financial misconduct.

Financial Mail understands that internal auditors are investigating alleged expense account fraud running into thousands of pounds. The inquiry is also looking into agreements with suppliers.

A spokesman, who declined to comment on the substance of the allegations or the results of the inquiry, said: 'Investigations have now reached a stage where a formal disciplinary hearing into Mr Manley's conduct can be scheduled before Christmas.

'I cannot comment on the details of the alleged misconduct, the results of our investigations, nor on the possible outcome of a hearing that has not yet happened.'

Allied is understood to have undertaken to reimburse any suppliers for debts properly incurred. And the company has appointed a main board director to review the findings of the internal investigation and to conduct the disciplinary hearing.

If Manley is found guilty of misconduct, Allied is expected to seek his immediate dismissal, though a lengthy battle for compensation could follow.

While not a main board director, Australian-born Manley is on the executive board of Allied Domecq's Wine and Spirits division, which owns or controls 90 per cent of group sales. He joined the company four years ago.