Embattled CEO Richard White returns to WiseTech board

An embattled billionaire is back at the helm of the company he founded despite controversy still swirling around him over his personal life.

Embattled former WiseTech chairman Richard White has taken control of the company he founded after a mass exodus of senior leadership.

In a statement to the ASX, WiseTech confirmed Mr White would return to the company as the executive chairman after a four-month absence despite allegations of inappropriate behaviour directed against the billionaire.

The move follows chairman Richard Dammery and three other directors – Lisa Brock, Michael Malone and Fiona Pak-Poy – announcing that they would leave WiseTech next month, citing “intractable differences” with the board and Mr White’s role.

Mr White, who resigned in October 2024 as chief executive but stepped into a consulting role, has told WiseTech investors that he is “fully engaged and here for the long haul”.

Richard White has returned to WiseTech’s board as the executive chairman. Picture: Supplied

“I want to let you know that I’m fully engaged and here for the long haul with invigorated vision, passion and a trove of new ideas to continue to build the company that Maree (WiseTech director Maree Isaacs) and I created and that I love so much,” Mr White said during the company’s earnings call.

“You have my absolute commitment to do everything within my power and ability to accelerate the business you have invested in and that has been so successful over the almost nine years since listing.

“It is also important to remember that WiseTech is a globally successful product-led company with over 30 years of experience.”

During it’s half-yearly results, WiseTech said revenue rose 15 per cent to $US381m ($A600m) in the six months to December 31, the majority of which came from its CargoWise product that brought in $US331.7m ($A522.8m).

Revenue came in around consensus forecasts of $US380m ($A599m)

The company recorded a 28 per cent growth in its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation that reached $US192.3m ($A303m), higher than consensus estimates of $US189m ($A297m).

On the bottom line, the company revealed a 34 per cent jump in underlying net profit after tax to $US112.1m ($A176m)

WiseTech said it would pay shareholders an interim dividend of 6.7 US cents per share, up 31 per cent from this time last year.

He told investors that he was ‘here for the long haul’. Picture: Supplied

WiseTech said in October 2024 that Mr White would step down from his role as chief executive and move into a long-term consulting position following allegations about his personal life that included settling a civil suit with a former lover.

He was cleared of bullying and intimidation, as well as allegations that he failed to disclose close personal workplace relationships to the board and misused company funds, following a company-ordered review.

But Mr White is still in the spotlight.

“WiseTech has received two confidential complaints, from an employee and a supplier to the company, making allegations (in relation to Mr White),” the company said in its market statement.

Mr White, his wife Zena Nasser and investment fund RealWise Management are also facing legal action over alleged breaches of Fair Work protections.

The court case was filed on February 8 by Caroline Heidemann, a Brazilian woman on a temporary visa who alleges Mr White gave her financial assistance in exchange for sex and a personal relationship.

Mr White denies the claims and says he will defend them “vigorously”.