Super Retail Group sacks CEO Anthony Heraghty after board receives new information on alleged relationship
Board says prior disclosures were unsatisfactory and has lapsed Heraghty’s incentives; CFO David Burns named interim CEO as legal challenges continue
Super Retail Group has dismissed chief executive Anthony Heraghty after the board received new information about an alleged relationship with the retailer’s former chief human resources officer, the company said Tuesday.
In a statement the board said it had "made this decision after receiving new information from Mr Heraghty regarding his relationship with the company's former chief human resources officer" and that it had "concluded Mr Heraghty's prior disclosures were not satisfactory." The board also said it had "exercised its discretion to lapse Heraghty's incentives, which includes all unvested incentives and vested but unexercised rights."
David Burns, the company's chief financial officer, has been appointed interim chief executive while the board conducts further work, Super Retail Group said. The Brisbane-based retailer owns Supercheap Auto, Rebel Sport, Macpac and BCF and reported annual sales of A$3.8 billion.
The dismissal follows a prolonged dispute that has played out in media reports and in the Federal Court. Two former senior legal executives, former chief legal officer Rebecca Farrell and senior lawyer Amelia Berczelly, have commenced proceedings alleging they were bullied and harassed after raising concerns about Heraghty's alleged relationship with the former HR chief. Super Retail Group previously defended Heraghty against those accusations.
The company did not disclose the nature of the new information or when it was received. It said the board had reviewed the material and determined that Mr Heraghty's earlier disclosures were inadequate. The decision to lapse incentives affects unvested awards and vested but unexercised rights, according to the statement.
Heraghty was paid a total remuneration package of A$4.15 million in 2023, company filings show. Media reports have said Mr Heraghty and the former HR executive are separated from their respective spouses; Super Retail Group did not comment on their personal circumstances.
Lawyers for Ms. Farrell and Ms. Berczelly have alleged workplace mistreatment linked to their attempts to raise concerns internally. Those legal actions remain before the Federal Court, where proceedings have been under way amid public scrutiny of the company's governance and workplace culture.
The board's announcement did not set a timeline for appointing a permanent chief executive. It said further details would be provided as appropriate while it continued its review.
The change in leadership comes at a critical time for Super Retail Group, which operates multiple retail brands across automotive, sporting and outdoor categories. The company's shares and investor communications are likely to be watched closely as the group addresses the leadership transition and the unresolved court matters.