A senior Woolworths executive has filed a discrimination lawsuit in Federal Court against the supermarket giant and several current and former executives including former CEO Brad Banducci, following failed mediation attempts.

Miwah Van, who has worked at Woolworths Group for six years and currently holds the position of chief growth officer, filed the complaint alleging discrimination.

Van previously worked at Macquarie Capital, McKinsey, and Dexus before joining Woolworths.

Van has hired Harmers Workplace Lawyers, the high-profile firm that this year represented two senior legal officers who sued Super Retail Group, owner of Rebel Sport and Supercheap Auto, ultimately leading to the company’s CEO departure.

Those named as respondents include Brad Banducci, Woolworths’ former chief executive; Caryn Katsikogianis, chief people officer planning to leave next year after a decade in the role; Von Ingram, former head of W Living (which housed Big W) who departed in September; Trudie Harriman, senior human resources executive; and Jane Danzinger, managing director at CustomerX overseeing brand, marketing, digital, rewards, loyalty, strategy, and transformation.

The Federal Court denied an application for access to documents filed by Van, leaving the specific details of her discrimination claim unclear.

Woolworths confirmed in a statement it is “responding to a claim filed in the Federal Court of Australia by Miwah Van, a senior executive in the group.”

“Woolworths received the claim last week and is reviewing it in detail. Ms Van is currently on leave from Woolworths,” the company said.

The legal dispute comes at a pivotal time for Australia’s largest supermarket chain as it seeks to reverse lacklustre performance and market share losses to Coles and Aldi.

Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell outlined plans this year to cut $400 million in costs and reduce product ranges.

Last week, Bardwell said she was “cautiously optimistic” about holiday trade after local supermarkets recorded a 3.2% sales increase in early October.

This improved on the first quarter when Australian supermarket sales grew just 2.1% to $13.89 billion, ”below our aspirations,” according to Bardwell.

Harmers has represented several high-profile complainants, including former Seven West Media executive assistant Amber Harrison when she sued her employer.