Richard White (Australian businessman)

Richard White (born April 1, 1955) is the billionaire former CEO and co-founder of WiseTech Global, an Australian technology company specialising in transport logistics.

Early life and career

White was born in Sydney in 1955, and grew up in the suburb of Bexley. His father ran an engineering business, his mother sold cookware through house parties and as a youth he washed dishes for his grandparents wedding reception business.[1]

He worked as a musician in a band called Jade[2] and refrigeration mechanic, later standing a small business repairing guitars called Rock Repairs.[3][4] He taught himself electronics and programming when he started building lighting systems for bands.[1]

Education

He graduated Sydney Technical High School in 1972[1] and completed a master's degree in IT management in 2002.[4]

WiseTech

White co-founded WiseTech (then Eagle Developments International) with Maree Isaacs in 1994, having worked together previously.[5][1]

The company became established in the Australian logistics industry by 2000, and expanded into the US market in 2006 under the name CargoWise.[4] They changed the name to WiseTech in 2011. It was listed on the ASX in 2016.[6]

Philanthropy

Both White personally and his company invested in Grok Academy, an Australian technology education company led by James Curran, with the aim of providing free technology education to students, and encouraging other Australian technology companies to act similarly.[7][8]

Sexual harassment allegations

White stepped down as CEO of WiseTech in October 2024 after he was involved in a bankruptcy case with Linda Rogan, who alleged he was trading sex for investing in her business, and similar allegations from other women, some from within WiseTech.[3][9]

He was later cleared by WiseTech of bullying and intimidation allegations, and remains on as a consultant at his former salary.[10] It was noted by the Australian Financial Review that the "salacious revelations" had little effect on his position and influence.[11]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Whittaker, Mark (2023-06-11). "From mechanic to a $10 billion fortune: Inside Richard White's rise to the top". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  2. ^ Sprague, Julie-anne (2024-06-17). "The Rich Lister who avoids risk at all costs". AFR. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  3. ^ a b Doherty, Ben (2024-10-24). "WiseTech Global billionaire CEO Richard White steps down as company rocked by allegations of secret affairs". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  4. ^ a b c Smith, Michael (2015-12-12). "From AC/DC to the ASX: Richard White is no ordinary tech tycoon". AFR. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  5. ^ "WiseTech co-founder Maree Isaacs is one of only three women on Rich Bosses list". AFR. 2018-07-12. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  6. ^ "Wisetech Global Limited (ASX: WTC) - Float & IPO Details". Intelligent Investor. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  7. ^ Kitney, Damon (2022-10-04). "WiseTech founder Richard White issues funding challenge to fellow tech entrepreneurs". The Australian. Retrieved 2025-01-16.
  8. ^ Swan, David (2024-12-16). "Grok Academy finds new home after disgraced CEO's exit". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2025-01-16.
  9. ^ "Billionaire Richard White steps down as CEO of WiseTech Global, effective immediately". ABC. 2024-10-24. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  10. ^ Barrett, Jonothan (2024-11-22). "WiseTech's billionaire founder Richard White cleared of allegations by company review". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  11. ^ Thompson, James (2024-10-24). "WiseTech's Richard White 'fix' just creates another problem". AFR. Retrieved 2025-01-16.