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
[edit]He 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
[edit]He graduated Sydney Technical High School in 1972[1] and completed a master's degree in IT management in 2002.[4]
WiseTech
[edit]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]
He stepped down as CEO 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][7]
Sexual harassment allegations
[edit]He was later cleared by WiseTech of bullying and intimidation allegations, and remains on as a consultant at his former salary.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ 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.
- ^ Sprague, Julie-anne (2024-06-17). "The Rich Lister who avoids risk at all costs". AFR. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "WiseTech co-founder Maree Isaacs is one of only three women on Rich Bosses list". AFR. 2018-07-12. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
- ^ "Wisetech Global Limited (ASX: WTC) - Float & IPO Details". Intelligent Investor. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
- ^ "Billionaire Richard White steps down as CEO of WiseTech Global, effective immediately". ABC. 2024-10-24. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
- ^ Barrett, Jonothan (2024-11-22). "WiseTech's billionaire founder Richard White cleared of allegations by company review". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-12-29.