WiseTech executive chair resigns during police investigation

WiseTech announced Tuesday that its executive chair has resigned while remaining a board director and chief innovation officer. Raelene Murphy will replace him as chair. The announcement followed media reports that police are investigating allegations the co-founder coerced a cleaner into a sexual relationship and provided false information for her visa application.

He denied the allegations in the company statement.

Share price reaction WiseTech shares rose 8.1 percent on Tuesday afternoon, adding nearly $1 billion to the company’s market value. The stock had fallen sharply over the prior 12 months, dropping from more than $40 billion in July 2025 to less than $13 billion on Tuesday.

Background and company response The company began laying off 30 percent of its workforce in May amid pressure from artificial-intelligence tools. White stepped down as chief executive in 2024 after earlier media reports about his personal life. A November 2024 company review cleared him of bullying and intimidation claims.

He returned as executive chair in February 2025 after four board members resigned over his continued role. Murphy said her experience working with White differed from media reports and that the board wanted to retain his experience while planning for succession.

An RBC Capital Markets analyst said the change was a step forward but investors would seek evidence of improved governance.