Richard White Steps Down Amid Allegations
Richard White, the beleaguered co-founder and executive chairman of WiseTech Global, an Australian software company, is resigning following serious allegations. Reports suggest that White exploited women’s immigration status and financial vulnerabilities for sexual purposes.
In response to this news, WiseTech’s shares jumped significantly, soaring as much as 10.6% to nearly $27 each.
The Australian Federal Police’s Human Exploitation Task Force began investigating White earlier this year after a complaint was filed by a former executive from another company he controls, Kyckr, which focuses on customer management.
White has denied all allegations, describing them as an unnecessary distraction for his company. He stated, “The recent personal media attention is an unnecessary distraction from the strength of WiseTech’s business,” and reiterated that he “categorically and unequivocally” denies the claims made against him.
Reports have surfaced claiming White used his influence to pressure Caroline Heidemann, a Brazilian former cleaner at WiseTech, into sexual relations. He is also accused of submitting misleading information during his visa application process.
Heidemann had raised similar allegations previously but later settled with White.
This stock price surge for WiseTech follows a string of scandals involving White and increasing competition from artificial intelligence. The company’s valuation has plummeted from over $40 billion in July 2025 to less than $13 billion recently.
White resigned as CEO in 2024 after revelations about his personal life, where numerous women alleged he provided financial incentives in exchange for sexual favors. Allegations of bullying and threatening behavior have also surfaced from a former director at WiseTech.
An earlier investigation initiated by WiseTech dismissed the bullying and intimidation claims, allowing White to return as chairman in February 2025. However, his position led to the resignation of four board members who questioned his continued involvement with the company.
The firm has been under pressure to adapt to advances in artificial intelligence and recently laid off about 30% of its workforce, contributing to its declining market value.
Despite the ongoing controversies, White asserts he is focused on the company’s growth as the chief innovation officer.
Additionally, WiseTech announced Raelene Murphy as the new independent chairwoman. Murphy, who joined the board earlier this year, expressed her support for White, stating, “My personal experience working with Richard is completely different from what is reported in the media. He is an incredibly hard-working, focused and dedicated founder who has built a world-class technology business with great potential to continue to grow stronger and thrive.”
