WISETECH Global has announced the appointment of Zubin Appoo has its new permanent chief executive effective immediately.
He replaces Andrew Cartledge who has served as interim CEO since October 2024 as well as chief financial officer since September 2015 and who is to retire at the end of the 2025 calendar year.
In company statement, WiseTech reported that Mr Appoo had more than 20 years of relevant experience for the role.
He had a foundational role in the rapid growth of WiseTech between 2004 and 2018, working directly with co-founder and then-CEO Richard White.
Since 2018, he is said to have held various executive leadership roles with responsibilities across disruptive technology, innovation, people, culture, revenue and strategy, including as chief technology officer at InLoop, Flexischools and HICAPS (an NAB business) and as chief executive at Find a Carer.
He is expected to work with and support co-founder and executive chair, Richard White, with long-term product vision, innovation and strategic investment.
Andrew Cartledge is expected to remain an employee of WiseTech until his retirement.
Lead independent director Andrew Harrison said Mr Appoo’s appointment followed “an internal and external process” that considered several qualified candidates.
“He brings a strong software and product development background along with knowledge of WiseTech’s products, markets and methods,” Mr Harrison said.
“In appointing Zubin, the board sought a leader who could seamlessly partner with our co-founder and executive chair, while also operating independently and decisively as CEO. Zubin understands WiseTech’s DNA and ambition.”
“With his return, we are confident in the strength of our leadership and their ability to drive long-term value for shareholders.
“On behalf of the board, I’d also like to thank Andrew for his leadership and commitment since joining the Company in 2015, in his roles as both CFO and interim CEO.”
WiseTech co-founder and executive chair Richard White said Zubin Appoo’s “proven leadership skills and extensive background in technology and product development made him “uniquely qualified to lead the WiseTech team”.
“Since rejoining WiseTech as chief of staff, Zubin has been working closely with our senior leadership team, our development teams, as well as customers, and investors,” Mr White said.
“His extensive prior experience at WiseTech, and his performance since rejoining prove he is able to lead WiseTech.”
Mr Appoo said he was “honoured to be appointed CEO and appreciate the board’s trust in my abilities”.
“I’m looking forward to working together with the board, the strong senior leadership team including Richard and the wider WiseTech family, as we drive long-term growth and expand our vision to be the operating system for global trade and logistics,” he said.
WiseTech has continued to be acquisitive during the interim-CEO period, late last year announcing it had entered into an agreement for BSM Global.