A storm is brewing in the corporate world as Deepa Sita, the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer of Metcash, faces allegations of bullying and misconduct, brought to light by two former employees.
The claims highlight a culture clash within the company’s Sydney offices, where the differences between South African and Australian workplace practices appear to have sparked discord.
Greg Buxton, former General Manager of Finance Transformation, and Delia Sparkes, former Group Treasurer, have each filed separate claims with the Fair Work Commission, alleging that Sita’s approach to management has been marked by aggression and a lack of proper communication, as per report by The Australian Financial Review.
The legal filings present a scenario where cultural misunderstandings and managerial tension have led to an untenable working environment for employees accustomed to different norms.
‘Since Sita’s commencement at Metcash, both Sparkes and Buxton and other colleagues encountered cultural clashes with Sita, whose approach consisted of patterns of bullying, aggression and lack of communication,’ stated a spokesperson for the claimants as quoted on The West Australian.
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Sita, who joined Metcash in January 2024, reportedly acknowledged her struggles in adapting to Australia’s workplace culture and sought guidance in her new role.
Before her tenure at Metcash, Sita gained significant experience across various corporate roles in South Africa, including a prominent position at Johannesburg-based food distribution giant Tiger Brands, and her LinkedIn profile highlights a solid educational background and career trajectory that has led her to this pivotal role in Australia’s retail sector.
Metcash, which serves around 100 000 retail stores across Australia, including the well-known IGA Supermarkets, Foodland, and various liquor outlets, has strongly refuted the claims.
A spokesperson emphasised that the allegations are ‘without merit’ and asserted that the company will mount a vigorous defence at the Fair Work Commission. They further clarified that both former employees were legitimately dismissed due to conduct that did not align with Metcash’s Code of Conduct and corporate values, as per reports by The West Australian.
According to reports from Harmers Lawyers, the employment lawyers representing Sparkes and Buxton, the dismissals were abrupt.
Sparkes was reportedly fired shortly after expressing her concerns via email to Sita regarding treatment of staff and bonus distributions, while Buxton had his workplace allowance revoked prior to his dismissal in July 2025 after a series of allegations regarding workplace conflicts.
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