Super Retail Group CEO Anthony Heraghty has been terminated. Read our full report on the workplace relationship scandal, the impact on company shares, and what this sudden leadership change means for the future of the retail giant.
Super Retail Group, the retail giant behind brands like Rebel, Supercheap Auto, and BCF, has today announced the immediate termination of its Group Managing Director and CEO, Anthony Heraghty.
The company’s board stated the decision was made after receiving “new information” regarding Heraghty’s relationship with the company’s former Chief Human Resources Officer and concluding his prior disclosures were “not satisfactory”.
The abrupt departure of a CEO is a rare and dramatic event in corporate Australia, and the news has sent shockwaves through the market, with Super Retail Group shares tumbling by over 7% in early trading, their steepest one-day fall since early 2025.
The Disclosure Scandal and Its Financial Fallout
The termination comes amidst a long-running legal dispute involving two former employees who had previously filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that the workplace relationship between Heraghty and the former HR executive led to a toxic culture.
While the board had previously defended Heraghty, it now says that new details revealed by the CEO himself were not in line with the transparency and governance standards expected of a senior executive.
In a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), the company confirmed that Heraghty’s employment had been terminated with “immediate effect.”
The board has also exercised its discretion to lapse all of his incentives, including both unvested and vested but unexercised rights, a move that underscores the seriousness with which the company views the breach of disclosure obligations.
An Unfinished Legacy
Anthony Heraghty had been at the helm of Super Retail Group since February 2019, a period marked by significant challenges and successes.
He was widely credited with successfully navigating the company through the tumultuous landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and a shift in consumer behavior.
Under his leadership, the company’s annual revenue grew to a record of over A$4.1 billion in the last fiscal year. He championed a customer-centric approach, focusing on digital integration and the expansion of the company’s store network.
His tenure saw the company’s loyalty program membership grow to over 12 million, accounting for a significant portion of its sales.
Interim Leadership and the Road Ahead
To ensure operational continuity, Super Retail Group has appointed its Chief Financial Officer, David Burns, as interim CEO. Burns will now be tasked with steering the company through this period of transition as the board begins its search for a permanent replacement.
Industry analysts are now watching closely to see how the company will maintain its momentum in a highly competitive retail environment.
The sudden loss of a well-regarded leader creates uncertainty about future strategic direction, but the company’s strong brand portfolio—including Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF, and Macpac—provides a solid foundation for the interim leadership to build on.
