The Old Kiama Wharf Company was initially placed in the hands of administrator Bruce Gleeson, of Jones Partners Insolvency and Business Recovery, on December 10.

The appointment was made by Kiama barrister Warwick Colbron on behalf of his de facto partner and Old Kiama Wharf Company director Christina Jackman.

It came just 10 days after the business sold off Cargos Wharf Restaurant and Barnacles Seafood Takeaway and Bistro, located at Kiama Harbour.

At the first meeting of creditors held in Mr Gleeson's Sydney office yesterday, a vote was carried to replace him with Peter Krejci, of Sydney insolvency firm BRI Ferrier.

The vote was led by creditor Garry Day, a former partner of Ms Jackman in the company and who is claiming $1.7 million in monies owed.

Both parties have a history of litigation dating back several years.

Mr Gleeson said that based on a previous meeting between he and Mr Colbron in July, some creditors believed he had been appointed administrator at that time but had not revealed it until this month.

"I stressed at the meeting that July was when I first had contact, not when I was appointed," he said.

He believed this misunderstanding led to the vote for his replacement.

Mr Gleeson described yesterday's meeting as "interesting and emotional" but declined to comment further.

Twelve creditors attended, including a representative of the Australian Taxation Office, which is seeking $1.3 million for unremitted superannuation.

Thousands of dollars are also owed to various Illawarra food and hospitality industry suppliers.

Mr Day could not be contacted for comment yesterday.