By Stuart Condie
SYDNEY--Logistics-software provider WiseTech Global promoted its chief of staff to succeed scandal-hit founder Richard White as chief executive, ending months of uncertainty over the Australian company's leadership.
Zubin Appoo only rejoined WiseTech in April, reporting directly to White as the group's chief of staff and deputy chief innovation officer. On Monday, WiseTech said Appoo would become CEO effective immediately.
WiseTech said that it had considered a number of candidates for the role as part of an internal and external search process. It said it picked Appoo, who initially worked for WiseTech for almost 15 years to August 2018, due to his strong development background and company knowledge.
Founder White stepped down as CEO last year following a string of personal allegations against him that led to billions of dollars being wiped from WiseTech's market value. The company's largest shareholder, White subsequently retook control as executive chair.
WiseTech hired a pair of law firms to assist in an internal review of White's behavior and company governance. In March, WiseTech warned White about his behavior and White acknowledged that he should have reported some personal relationships to the board.
"Zubin's proven leadership skills, extensive background in technology and product development--coupled with his deep understanding of WiseTech, our culture and products, as well as the logistics industry--makes him uniquely qualified to lead the WiseTech team," said White, who is also WiseTech's largest shareholder.
Appoo will report directly to the board while also collaborating with White on what WiseTech called long-term product vision, innovation and strategic investment.
Acting CEO Andrew Cartledge, the company's former chief financial officer, will retire at the end of 2025, WiseTech said.
WiseTech shares were 0.1% higher in early trade at 120.24 Australian dollars, equivalent to US$78.94. That's up about 60% since April, but still about 10% below where it was prior to the allegations against White.
Write to Stuart Condie at stuart.condie@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 27, 2025 20:54 ET (00:54 GMT)
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