Who Is Anthony Heraghty? The Australian Retail CEO Fired Over an Alleged Affair

Super Retail Group, one of Australia’s biggest retail companies, has sacked its CEO Anthony Heraghty. The decision came after the board said Heraghty failed to properly disclose information about his relationship with former HR head Jane Kelly.

In a statement to investors, the company explained:
“After receiving new information from Mr. Heraghty about his relationship with the former Chief Human Resources Officer, the board concluded that his previous disclosures were not satisfactory.”

Alleged Affair with HR Head

Rumors about Heraghty’s relationship with Jane Kelly first surfaced in April 2024. Two whistleblowers, former legal officer Rebecca Farrell and co-company secretary Amelia Berczelly, claimed they were threatened after raising concerns about the romance.

Court filings revealed that in June 2023, Berczelly reportedly saw Heraghty and Kelly at a Brisbane hotel together. Another employee alleged the CEO touched Kelly inappropriately at a bar in 2022. The case is still being heard in the Federal Court.

Immediate Fallout

Super Retail Group, owner of Rebel Sport, BCF, and Supercheap Auto, announced that David Burns, the Chief Financial Officer, will act as interim CEO while a permanent replacement is sought. The board also cancelled Heraghty’s unvested financial incentives and cut all ties with him.

The company’s shares fell 2.6% in early trading after the announcement, worrying investors. Analysts said they were surprised by the timing of the dismissal, as the investigation had been ongoing for months.

Recent Corporate Scandals

This controversy follows another headline-making scandal. In July, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot resigned after being caught kissing on a stadium camera during a Coldplay concert. The video quickly spread on social media, adding to the list of high-profile corporate scandals in 2024.