Super Retail Group, the company behind Rebel Sport, Supercheap Auto, BCF and Macpac, is facing renewed legal and investor pressure as a third workplace claim emerges ahead of a crucial annual shareholder meeting.

Former general manager of legal and compliance, Renai Williams, has lodged a claim with the Fair Work Commission alleging the retailer took unlawful action against her after she exercised workplace rights.

The matter will first go to mediation but could escalate to the Federal Court if unresolved.

Williams’ case follows the company’s recent settlements with two former executives, Rebecca Farrell and Amelia Berczelly, who alleged bullying, harassment and misconduct linked to former chief executive Anthony Heraghty and ex-HR boss Jane Kelly.

That scandal ultimately led to Heraghty’s dismissal after the board determined he had not fully disclosed his relationship with Kelly.

Anthony Heraghty, CEO and group managing director of Super Retail Group

Former Super Retail Group CEO Anthony Heraghty

The new claim raises further concerns about Super Retail’s corporate culture and governance as chairwoman Judith Swales faces a potential investor revolt.

Influential proxy advisory firm Ownership Matters has urged major institutional investors to vote against Swales’ re-election, citing “inadequate oversight over senior management, company strategy and the whistleblower program.”

The advisory group criticised the board’s “aggressive legal and PR strategy” in responding to previous lawsuits and highlighted $11.3 million in legal and professional fees recorded last financial year.

Swales, who became chair in 2024, is under pressure to steady investor confidence as the retailer grapples with the fallout from the Heraghty scandal and mounting legal costs.

Williams, who worked at Super Retail from 2021 to 2022, was responsible for compliance and the whistleblower hotline, which are the very systems now under scrutiny.

Neither Williams nor Super Retail commented on the latest filing, while Heraghty did not respond to requests for comment.

Despite the turmoil, Super Retail shares rose 25¢ to $16.60 on Tuesday but remain more than 7% below last year’s levels.