One of Australia’s major online travel agencies is now at the centre of a legal dispute as a former top legal executive accuses the company of retaliatory dismissal after she questioned the CEO’s professional history. The case highlights issues over resume accuracy, internal governance and the rights of executives to raise compliance concerns within large corporations.
Webjet’s former chief legal counsel alleges she was sidelined then terminated after raising concerns with the board about inconsistencies in the CEO’s resume earlier this year. According to Federal Court documents, the legal officer identified possible inaccuracies involving the CEO’s past executive roles and board memberships in the banking and fitness industries. While the company stated publicly that the executive left voluntarily, court filings suggest a different account.
The documents claim the CEO's resume included directorships at major companies and referenced a 25-year executive background. The former legal counsel disputes these claims, alleging the roles were not held and the timeline was overstated. She also claims she was excluded from key strategic discussions, including a possible takeover bid, after raising the concerns internally. Webjet, which is currently attracting acquisition interest from both a private equity firm and a rival travel brand, has denied the allegations and intends to defend its position in court.
These proceedings could have wider consequences for leadership transparency among ASX-listed firms. While the case outcome is yet to be determined, Webjet now faces intense scrutiny during a critical phase of strategic evaluation and market attention. Investors and regulators are expected to monitor the situation closely as corporate governance and whistleblower protections continue to come under pressure in the courts.
