Former ABC director Simon Mordant initiated settlement talks with Michelle Guthrie

Investment banker and former ABC director Simon Mordant initiated settlement talks with axed ABC chief Michelle Guthrie.

Former ABC board director Simon Mordant and ABC arts director Mandy Chang. Picture: Chris Pavlich

Former ABC board director and investment banker Simon Mordant initiated settlement talks between axed ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie and the public broadcaster’s board a fortnight ago.

Mr Mordant discussed Ms Guthrie’s legal action, which started in December after she was sacked by the ABC board in September, and gauged that she was “open to a settlement”.

Two days later, Mr Mordant met with ABC acting chairwoman Kirstin Ferguson over lunch and discussed the legal action, Mr Mordant told The Australian.

On February 21, Ms Guthrie and her legal representative and Ms Ferguson with ABC’s general counsel meet in Mr Mordant’s office to discuss a resolution.

After the meeting, acting ABC managing director David Anderson called Mr Mordant to discuss the matter, and by February 24 a “commercial understanding” had been reached, said Mr Mordant.

After that the lawyers took over, and the settlement was announced on Friday evening, he said.

“I didn’t think litigation would do any one any good,” said Mr Mordant, who was an ABC director for five years until November 2017.

He is currently executive co-chairman at corporate advisory and investment banking firm, Luminis Partners.

“I was pleased I could find a pathway for everybody.”

In a joint statement, the ABC and Ms Guthrie said on Friday evening that they were “pleased to announce a resolution to their Federal Court litigation”, adding that the details will remain confidential.