Winnings Group is facing allegations of internal instability, heavy-handed management directives and financial missteps, as staff describe a workplace increasingly defined by tension, resignations and controversial executive decisions.

The developments come as the company is defending recent claims that the business is about to be sold.

Director Threatens Fines Over Internal Meetings

Internal emails obtained by ChannelNews reveal that Winnings Group director and CEO John Winning ordered staff to cease all internal meetings unless personally approved by him — warning that breaches would constitute a “fineable offence subject to law.”

In an email sent company-wide in late October 2025, Winning wrote:

“It’s come to my attention after speaking with team members that we are having many unproductive meetings.

There are to be no internal meetings until further notice unless I set them up. This is a fineable offence subject to law.”

The email did not specify what law would apply.

 

Several staff members claim the directive created confusion and anxiety across the business.

According to employees, teams began holding what were described as “sensitive meetings” in the company lunchroom in order to avoid formal meetings.

“There was nowhere else to do them that wasn’t a meeting room,” one staff member said. “It’s an incredibly open-plan office.”

A long-serving employee described John Winnings management emails as “cuckoo,” claiming they marked a turning point in internal morale.

Claims of “Mass Exodus” and Senior Resignation

Multiple sources allege that the company experienced a “mass exodus of staff” in the past year, including senior personnel.

Among those cited is long-time PR manager Emily Dahdah, who, according to sources, resigned after many years with the business.

Her LinkedIn profile still lists her as working at Winnings Group.

The alleged departures followed what insiders describe as a restructuring of the company’s PR operations — an area historically closely associated with John Winning who has been described as a “publicity Junkee”

Questions Raised Over Hiring Decisions

Further controversy surrounds claims that a “full-time DJ” was hired shortly after the restructuring.

A former employee alleged the individual had “never worked professionally,” claiming his prior experience was limited to working at his girlfriend’s parents’ hospitality company on the Gold Coast.

Staff have also pointed to the launch of an online radio channel now operated by Winnings: click image to access Winnings Radio.


https://radio.winning.com.au

The company has not publicly explained how the radio initiative fits within its core retail operations strategy.

Human Kind Festival Under Scrutiny

Former employees have also criticised the company’s 2023 Human Kind Festival, a three-day event held at Sydney’s Luna Park and positioned as a global “immersive summit.”

Winning officially announced the event at a supply partner gathering at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, describing it as bringing together “the world’s greatest industry changemakers.”

However, several former staff allege the event was financially unsuccessful.

One veteran employee described the festival as a “massive money loss,” claiming staff under probation were let go in the lead-up to the event.

“Every single person in the company under probation (which is six months) was let go ahead of his failed Human Kind festival at Luna Park,” the former employee alleged. “He let go vital staff to fund his nonsense new-age three-day circlejerk.”

John Winning Winning Appliance Director at the Human Kind Event in Sydney.

The same source claimed employees were pressured to volunteer at the event, regardless of their role.

“I was given no option,” the former staff member said. “I was forced to work three days in the heat at Luna Park Sydney doing something that had absolutely nothing to do with my role.”

Silence From Leadership

Winnings Group has not publicly responded to the allegations regarding internal directives, staffing changes or the financial performance of the Human Kind Festival.

Last week Winnings Appliances denied it has been sold to Ellerston Capital, rejecting claims that a deal was imminent after reports suggested the private investment firm was poised to acquire the business.

The claim that the business was set to be sold was made by the Australian Financial Review, three journalists at the AFR worked on the story including Sarah Thompson, Kanika Sood and Emma Rapaport.

The speculation comes at a precarious time for the premium appliance retailer, which has suffered a 60% slump in after tax profits and is grappling with rising liabilities, negative working capital and mounting competitive pressure.

See original story here.

ChannelNews has sought comment from John Winning and Winnings Group.