Super Retail ousts CEO Anthony Heraghty amid fallout over HR relationship disclosure

Super Retail Group has abruptly sacked its chief executive, Anthony Heraghty, after revelations about an undisclosed relationship with the company’s former human resources chief. The decision ends his six-year tenure at the helm of the ASX-listed retailer and sets the stage for a multimillion-dollar courtroom battle that could drag the company further into controversy.

The board said Heraghty was terminated with immediate effect after “new information” emerged around his relationship with former HR head Jane Kelly. The company’s statement to the ASX confirmed he misled the board in earlier disclosures, prompting directors to strip him of $8.7 million in incentives. He will still receive a $620,760 cash bonus this month.

The timing has raised eyebrows. Allegations about the same relationship were first flagged more than a year ago by two former executives – chief legal officer Rebecca Farrell and company secretary Amelia Berczelly – who claimed they were sidelined after raising concerns. Their whistleblower complaints have since escalated into Federal Court cases, with $11.3 million already provisioned by Super Retail for legal costs.

The board has appointed chief financial officer David Burns as interim CEO while it searches for a permanent replacement. Analysts expect both internal and external candidates to be considered, with Rebel, BCF and Supercheap Auto managing directors named as potential successors.

The Australian Shareholders’ Association welcomed the clawback of Heraghty’s bonuses but urged transparency. “Shareholders will want clarity on what investigation has been undertaken, why these issues have only come to light now, and how the board intends to strengthen governance,” chief executive Rachel Waterhouse said.

With the company’s AGM scheduled for October 23, directors face pressure to reassure investors, rebuild employee trust, and ensure that Super Retail’s workplace culture matches the values it promotes.