WiseTech executive chair Richard White resigns amid police investigation and scandals
Consensus Summary
WiseTech’s executive chair Richard White resigned on Tuesday amid ongoing police investigations into allegations of exploiting a worker’s financial and visa status for sex, though he denied the claims and will remain on the board as chief innovation officer. The resignation followed a tumultuous period marked by personal scandals, including a June report by Nine newspapers about an Australian Federal Police probe. Shares surged by 8.1% or 9.4% depending on the source, though the company’s market value remains significantly lower than a year ago, having fallen from over $40bn in July 2025 to less than $13bn. White had previously stepped down as CEO in October 2024 and returned as executive chair in February 2025 after four board members resigned, with Raelene Murphy replacing him as chair. The company is also undergoing major restructuring, including layoffs affecting 29% to 30% of its workforce, attributed to pressure from AI and governance concerns. Both sources agree on the timeline of key events, including White’s return to leadership, the November 2024 review clearing him of bullying allegations, and Murphy’s appointment in January, though discrepancies exist in specific percentages and market value details.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Raelene Murphy will replace Richard White as chair of WiseTech
- WiseTech shares rose by 8.1% (Guardian) or 9.4% (ABC) on Tuesday after White’s resignation
- White stepped down as CEO of WiseTech in October 2024
- WiseTech laid off 30% (Guardian) or 29% (ABC) of its workforce in May, affecting 2,000 roles over 18 months
- White denied allegations of exploiting a worker’s financial and visa status for sex, calling them an 'unnecessary distraction'
- A company-ordered review in November 2024 cleared White of bullying and intimidation allegations
- White returned to leadership as executive chair in February 2025 after four board members resigned
- Raelene Murphy joined the WiseTech board in January and was named lead independent director at the start of May
- WiseTech’s market value collapsed from over $40bn in July 2025 to less than $13bn on Tuesday
- Investors sold out in June after Nine newspapers reported police were investigating allegations against White
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- WiseTech was worth more than $40bn in July 2025 but less than $13bn on Tuesday, adding nearly $1bn to its market value after the share price rise
- White stepped down as chief executive in 2024 after weeks of damaging revelations about his personal life
- The board’s gradual replacement of lost directors led to Murphy’s appointment in January
- WiseTech began laying off 30% of its workforce in May due to pressure from AI
- White’s resignation announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon
- White owns around a third of WiseTech’s shares, making him the biggest shareholder
- WiseTech shares were up 9.4% at 10:50am AEST on Tuesday morning
- The stock remains about 66% lower than 12 months ago
- White denied involvement in human trafficking or knowledge of an Australian Federal Police investigation in June
- WiseTech announced plans for sweeping job cuts in February, slashing 29% of its workforce (2,000 roles) over 18 months
- Chief executive Zubin Appoo was appointed in July 2025 and described the job cuts as a 'deliberate AI transformation journey'
- The board is continuing its search for an additional independent director and 'long-term executive succession planning'
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian states WiseTech shares rose by 8.1% on Tuesday afternoon, while ABC reports a 9.4% rise at 10:50am AEST on the same day
- The Guardian says White laid off 30% of the workforce, while ABC specifies 29% (2,000 roles) over 18 months
- The Guardian mentions White stepped down as CEO in 2024 without a specific month, while ABC specifies October 2024
- The Guardian states WiseTech’s market value collapsed from over $40bn in July 2025 to less than $13bn, but ABC does not mention the $40bn figure
Source Articles
WiseTech shares rise after Richard White resigns as executive chair amid police investigation
Rise in share price adds nearly $1bn to tech giant’s market value while White continues on as a board director and chief innovation officer Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Richard White has resigned as executive chair of WiseTech, the Australian tech company he co-founded, denying allegations he exploited a worker’s financial and visa status for sex. White will stay on as a board director and chief innovation officer, with Raelene Murphy replacing him as chair, the c
Richard White resigns as WiseTech chair but will remain with firm
The billionaire founder of WiseTech Global said he was stepping down as the company's chair after "recent personal media attention" created an "unnecessary distraction" from the business.