Billionaire technology entrepreneur Richard White has stepped down as executive chair of WiseTech Global, citing growing media attention surrounding criminal investigations that he says have become a distraction for the company.
The leadership change takes immediate effect, with board member Raelene Murphy appointed as executive chair. White will remain on the company’s board as an executive director while continuing in his position as chief innovation officer.
White says company should remain the priority
Announcing the move, White said the business needed its leadership team to remain focused on delivering its long-term growth strategy.
“Recent personal media attention is creating an unnecessary distraction from the strength of WiseTech’s business,” White said.
“At this time, the senior management team, Zubin and I should be singularly focused on the execution of the company’s growth strategy.”
Chief executive Zubin Appoo continues to lead the company’s day-to-day operations.
Criminal investigations continue
The leadership reshuffle follows reports that Australia’s Federal Police are investigating allegations that White exploited a Brazilian cleaner’s financial circumstances and visa status to coerce her into a sexual relationship.
Authorities are also reportedly investigating claims that false information was provided during a visa application process.
White has strongly denied all allegations.
“As I have stated previously, I strenuously and unequivocally deny the recent allegations in the media,” he said.
He also argued that the publicity surrounding the allegations could negatively affect investor confidence and encourage speculative trading against the company’s stock.
Market reacts positively
Despite the controversy, investors responded positively to the announcement.
WiseTech Global shares climbed approximately nine percent during early Tuesday trading, rising to around A$38.57 after the company confirmed the leadership changes.
The share price recovery followed a sharp decline in June when reports of the investigations first emerged.
New chair backs the founder
Incoming executive chair Raelene Murphy expressed confidence in White’s leadership and defended his contribution to the company.
“My personal experience working with Richard is totally at odds with media reports,” Murphy said.
“I have found him to be an incredibly hardworking, focused and committed founder who has built a leading global technology business with enormous potential to continue to grow stronger and thrive.”
Previous controversies
White has faced scrutiny before.
An independent review into earlier allegations involving the misuse of company funds and claims of inappropriate workplace relationships concluded that he had not engaged in misconduct.
Separately, in October 2025, officers from the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission searched WiseTech’s offices as part of an investigation into allegations that White and three employees sold more than A$200 million worth of company shares during prohibited trading blackout periods.
At the time, WiseTech said it was cooperating fully with investigators and noted that neither the company nor any individual had been charged.
Investigations remain ongoing
The latest criminal investigations remain active, and no criminal charges have been announced against White.
While he has stepped down from the role of executive chair, White continues to play a key role in WiseTech’s leadership as executive director and chief innovation officer while authorities continue their inquiries.
