Kuda Technologies, a leading digital bank in Africa, is facing mounting scrutiny following a legal complaint by its former Group Chief People Officer, Rosemary as she has taken the company and its CEO, Babatunde Ogundeyi, to the UK Employment Tribunal, alleging sex discrimination, harassment, and wrongful dismissal.
The former executive claims she endured a toxic work environment before being forced out in April 2024. Kuda, in response to inquiries, confirmed the tribunal case but declined to comment further, citing legal constraints and privacy concerns.
Hewat, who joined Kuda in August 2021 to oversee global HR operations, alleges that the company’s leadership fostered a culture of misogyny and intimidation. She claims CEO Ogundeyi and other executives systematically undermined her authority and sidelined her from key strategic discussions.
A particularly troubling incident, she says, took place during a company retreat in Lagos in December 2023, where Ogundeyi allegedly berated two female employees, calling them “low class” and lacking in “quality or luxury,” leaving them in tears.
The legal filing further details a dispute over Hewat’s employee stock options (ESOP). She claims that while she was initially promised ESOP shares based on the company’s Series A valuation, Kuda delayed issuing the grant until the Series B round, significantly reducing her equity value. She also alleges that while then-CFO Steven Bastian successfully negotiated to have his ESOP adjusted, her request was denied, with Ogundeyi allegedly stating that Bastian’s role was “more important” than hers.
Hewat’s dismissal in February 2024, she claims, was abrupt and retaliatory. She was reportedly traveling for an Executive Committee retreat when Ogundeyi terminated her via a video call, barring her from attending the meeting.
While Kuda attributed the decision to economic instability and cost-cutting, Hewat believes it was a response to her complaints about workplace discrimination. She also argues that the company’s exit terms treated her unfairly compared to other executives, including then-COO Pavel Khristolubov.
The allegations have placed Kuda under intense scrutiny, particularly within Africa’s growing tech ecosystem. The case highlights broader concerns over governance and corporate accountability, echoing similar controversies that have rocked other African startups, such as Flutterwave. As the tribunal proceedings unfold, the case could have far-reaching implications for workplace culture and investor confidence in the region’s tech sector.