Ex-Kuda executive Rosemary Hewat has sued the fintech company in the UK, alleging gender discrimination, wrongful termination, and a toxic work culture. She claims CEO Babs Ogundeyi sidelined female employees, denied her stock options, and dismissed her after she raised concerns. Kuda has declined to comment on the allegations.
A former executive at Kuda, Nigeria’s prominent fintech company, has taken legal action in the UK, alleging gender discrimination and wrongful termination. Rosemary Hewat, Kuda’s ex-Group Chief People Officer, claims the company fostered a toxic environment where female employees were sidelined and denied opportunities afforded to their male counterparts.
According to court documents, Hewat was promised stock options at the Series A valuation, only to later discover that a male colleague received more favorable terms while she was offered shares at a higher price. She also alleges that CEO Babs Ogundeyi belittled female employees, creating a culture of fear where staff were reluctant to challenge him.
Further accusations include being excluded from key meetings and having aspects of her role reassigned to another executive. Her dismissal, she claims, came shortly after she formally raised concerns about workplace discrimination. Kuda, however, has declined to comment on the matter.
The lawsuit also highlights Hewat’s claims of emotional and psychological distress due to her treatment at the company. She alleges that despite Kuda citing financial constraints for her termination, the company continued discretionary spending, including personal expenses for the CEO.
Seeking compensation for lost benefits and emotional damages, Hewat argues that her firing was a form of retaliation for speaking out. As the case unfolds, it raises questions about Kuda’s commitment to workplace inclusivity and fair treatment of employees.
