Richard White steps down as WiseTech chair

RICHARD White has stepped down as executive chair of WiseTech Global, seeking to remove what he said was “an unnecessary distraction” from the company’s business operations.

Raelene Murphy has been appointed as the company’s independent chair with immediate effect.

Richard White is to remain on the board as an executive director and is to continue in his role as chief innovation officer.

Ms Murphy, who joined the board on 1 January this year, was previously lead independent director.

“Recent personal media attention is creating an unnecessary distraction from the strength of WiseTech’s business,” Mr White said in a statement.

“At this time, the senior management team, Zubin and I should be singularly focused on the execution of the company’s growth strategy.

“As I have stated previously, I strenuously and unequivocally deny the recent allegations in the media.”

It has been an at times challenging year for the company, due to allegations reported in the media last month that the Australian Federal Police were investigating Mr White over allegations he exploited a woman's immigration status for sex.

WiseTech's rollout of its new CargoWise transaction-based billing model has also attracted criticism.

Mr White said he was conscious that “personal attacks on me in the media” unconnected to company performance could encourage short selling.

“In my role as chief innovation officer, I remain totally committed, and focused on execution of WiseTech’s growth strategy,” he said. “I will continue to provide my full support to the board, to WiseTech’s CEO, Zubin, and to the WiseTech senior management team and product leaders across the company.”

Incoming independent chair Raelene Murphy said she had “proactively engaged with shareholders” since her appointment as lead independent director, sharing feedback with Richard White and the board.

“My personal experience working with Richard is totally at odds with media reports.

“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,” Ms Murphy said.

“As a board, a key priority is to drive long term succession planning, whilst retaining the depth of experience, value and strategic insights that Richard brings, which he will continue to provide in his role as chief innovation officer and as an executive director.”

She said the board and its advisers would continue to monitor and consider any developments on matters reported in the media.

Meanwhile the WiseTech Board has said it continues to focus on its search for an additional independent nonexecutive director and on long-term executive succession planning.

Since March 2025, Chris Charlton, Sandra Hook, Rob Castaneda and Raelene Murphy have been appointed as independent non-executive directors.

The appointment of an additional independent non-executive director is to bring the total number of independent directors on the board to five.