Rosemary Hewat, the former Group Chief People Officer at Kuda Technologies, has filed a high-profile complaint against the company and its CEO, Babatunde Ogundeyi, alleging sex discrimination, victimization, and unfair dismissal. Hewat's allegations, now under the scrutiny of an employment tribunal, claim she was subjected to a hostile work environment that undermined her role and contributions. These accusations come after her dismissal in February 2024, which occurred while she was en route to an Executive Committee retreat in Lagos.
The complaint details a series of alleged discriminatory actions by Kuda's leadership. Hewat claims that the company offered her the same exit terms as Pavel Khristolubov, a contractor, despite her status as a full-time employee. This, she argues, is indicative of the broader culture at Kuda, which she describes as one of misogyny and intimidation. Furthermore, she alleges that her exclusion from the retreat she had traveled for was a calculated move to humiliate her.
Hewat's allegations extend to her treatment during critical company meetings. She asserts that Ogundeyi dismissed her presence at a senior management meeting, stating it was unnecessary due to its focus on product strategy. This exclusion, according to Hewat, was part of a pattern of behavior designed to marginalize her role within the company.
The complaint also highlights an incident at a company retreat in Lagos in December 2023, where Ogundeyi allegedly publicly reprimanded two female employees. Hewat contends this incident is reflective of a toxic workplace culture that discouraged female participation and empowerment.
In response to her growing concerns about share allocations and pay disparity, Hewat documented her grievances formally in December 2023. However, she claims no formal inquiry was initiated by Kuda. Instead, Ogundeyi allegedly threatened her with dismissal for raising these issues. Following her termination, Kuda reportedly cut off her salary, canceled her health insurance, and withheld full holiday pay, further escalating tensions between Hewat and the company.
Hewat's allegations include a striking claim that Ogundeyi perceived himself as a "God" within Kuda's ranks, fostering an environment where employees were reluctant to approach him with issues or concerns. This atmosphere of fear and intimidation, she argues, contributed to her eventual dismissal.
Adding complexity to the case, Kuda issued a formal redundancy consultation letter to Hewat weeks after her termination. The company later filed a redundancy claim against her. In defense, Hewat cites the company's financial capacity to pay Ogundeyi's children's nanny £55,000 per year as evidence of its ability to retain her position.
Hewat is seeking compensation for several claims, including unfair dismissal, sex discrimination, emotional distress, and Kuda's alleged failure to adhere to proper workplace grievance procedures. Her case has garnered significant attention within the tech industry, with investors and stakeholders closely monitoring the proceedings.
Babatunde Ogundeyi has responded to the allegations with skepticism about their validity.
"As a Company we note that you have not provided any correspondence (emails, letters etc) to substantiate your claims and we assume that is because there is no evidence," – Babatunde Ogundeyi
Ogundeyi has further addressed Hewat's claims regarding employment terms:
"The terms of your employment and option grant are as set out in writing to you; even if someone did suggest to you that you might receive something different (which is not accepted), that does not make a contractual entitlement." – Babatunde Ogundeyi
A spokesperson for Kuda confirmed the legal proceedings:
"It is accurate that Rosemary Hewat, a former employee of Kuda Technologies Limited UK, has made an employment tribunal claim against the company," – Kuda spokesperson
These developments place Kuda Technologies under intense scrutiny from both industry insiders and the public. The outcome of this tribunal could have significant implications for the company's reputation and operational practices.
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