White continues to 'strenuously and unequivocally' reject recent accusations
Richard White is stepping down from his position as executive chair of software firm WiseTech Global, as he continues to reject recent allegations that he exploited a former employee.
WiseTech Global announced White's stepping down in a statement on Tuesday, but noted that he will remain on the board as an executive director and will continue to be the company's chief innovation officer.
White cited the recent allegations that he exploited a worker's financial and visa status for sex as the reason for his step-down.
"Recent personal media attention is creating an unnecessary distraction from the strength of WiseTech's business. At this time, the senior management team, [CEO Zubin Appoo] and I should be singularly focused on the execution of the Company's growth strategy," he said.
Allegations against White
The Australian Federal Police's human exploitation taskforce launched a probe against White amid allegations surrounding his connection with Caroline Heidemann, a Brazilian woman who was formerly employed by WiseTech as a cleaner.
According to the accusations, White used his power and influence to coerce Heidemann into a sexual relationship. Heidemann made similar claims against White in 2025, but reached a settlement with the billionaire.
White, who had "emphatically and unequivocally" denied any involvement in human trafficking, continued to reject the allegations.
"As I have stated previously, I strenuously and unequivocally deny the recent allegations in the media," he said in his recent statement.
"Further, I am conscious that personal attacks on me in the media that are unconnected to the performance of the company nevertheless have the potential to encourage short selling activity."
WiseTech's new independent chair
Raelene Murphy has been appointed as the company's new independent chair with "immediate effect."
Murphy, in a statement, defended White from the allegations.
"My personal experience working with Richard is totally at odds with media reports. I have found him to be an incredibly hardworking, focused and committed founder who has built a leading global technology business with enormous potential to continue to grow stronger and thrive," she said.
White remains on WiseTech's board as executive director, and he will continue to be the company's chief innovation officer.
"In my role as Chief Innovation Officer, I remain totally committed, and focused on execution of WiseTech's growth strategy. I will continue to provide my full support to the Board, to WiseTech's CEO, Zubin, and to the WiseTech senior management team and product leaders across the Company."
White co-founded WiseTech Global and previously served as its CEO until he stepped down in October 2024. A board investigation into his conduct found that he was "not fully transparent and candid," and that he made misleading claims to the board about personal matters concerning his relationship with an employee.
