Former Super Retail Group exec lifts lid on toxic culture, CEO’s illicit affair

Super Retail Group boss Anthony Heraghty’s illicit affair with the retailer’s former chief human resources officer Jane Kelly created a toxic workplace culture within the $3 billion listed company, court documents allege.

Federal Court documents obtained by The Nightly revealed allegations of an “unhealthy culture” that developed as a result of Mr Heraghty’s and Ms Kelly’s conduct, with Super Retail Group’s outgoing chair Sally Pitkin also heavily criticised.

A statement of claim lodged by Super Retail Group’s former chief legal officer and company secretary Rebecca Farrell allege staff did not feel as though they could report concerns about a culture of bullying to the board.

This was because Ms Pitkin “is very close to the CEO and (Ms Kelly), and they feel chair Pitkin would somehow sweep such matters under the carpet”.

Super Retail Group staff who reported to or worked with Ms Farrell on several occasions from around May 2021 also made disclosures that they were under pressure and unable to do all aspects of their work.

This caused them stress and risks to their health and safety, it is alleged.

Ms Farrell had also disclosed to both Mr Heraghty and Ms Kelly “her role was simply too big and that due to the stress occasioned by her work she felt an exacerbation of anxiety and depression”.

“In response to those requests and complaints, (Super Retail Group) took insufficient steps to reduce the workload of (Ms Farrell) or the members of her legal and company secretariat team,” the court document said.

The 112-page statement of claim, which is partly redacted, also claims Ms Farrell felt harassed by Ms Pitkin, who accused her of “being dishonest”.

It seemed Ms Pitkin — former director of embattled casino operator Star Entertainment Group — was angling to manage or push Ms Farrell out of her job, the document stated.

“Despite feeling harassed by Chair Pitkin, the Applicant would continue to do her job and interact with Chair Pitkin in a professional and respectful manner,” it said.

In response to Ms Farrell’s second governance complaint, specifically her comment she would continue to do her job and interact with Ms Pitkin in a professional and respectful manner, Ms Heraghty allegedly said: “You’ll have to do better than that.”

The claim also allege that Mr Heraghty’s executive assistant resigned in October last year due to the secret affair, after having been informed by the CEO’s ex-wife of the relationship and “observing questionable expenses, travel arrangements and the like in relation to the CEO and (Ms Kelly).”

Ms Farrell filed proceedings in the Federal Court late last month to enforce a settlement agreement in relation to her termination in May.

An external investigation launched by Super Retail Group in December cleared Mr Heraghty and Ms Kelly of having an affair or bullying.

The company, which is behind some Australia’s best-known retail brands Rebel Sport and Super Cheap Auto, forewarned the Australian Securities Exchange in April it was the subject of allegations made by staff.

Alongside its market-leading car care and sport and leisure brands, Super Retail Group also operates Macpac and BCF. It listed on the ASX in 2004 but was founded by Reg Rowe in 1972.