WiseTech confirms new role for founder Richard White, hires chief of staff
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The news: Software giant WiseTech Global has announced a new 10-year employment agreement with founder and former chief executive Richard White. It has also appointed former executive Zubin Appoo to the newly created role of chief of staff and deputy chief innovation officer.
The numbers: White has been given the title of executive chair and chief innovation officer and will be paid $1 million per year, the same salary he has received since 2015. He will serve a 10-year term from 26 February 2025, with the option to extend for a further five years by mutual agreement.
The context: Under the terms of the new employment agreement, White's role will focus on delivering WiseTech's product roadmap, commercialisation of new products, strategy development and implementation, and leading the company's succession planning.
White — who was re-appointed to the board as executive chairman in February shortly after standing down as CEO following a scandal over his private life — will be supported by Appoo, whose role is "designed to facilitate more effective delegation and reporting pathways".
Appoo spent nearly 15 years at WiseTech from 2004 to 2018, working directly with White in shaping the company's strategy. Since leaving WiseTech, Appoo has held a number of senior leadership roles, including as chief technology officer at InLoop, Flexischools and HICAPS, and as chief executive at Find A Carer.
WiseTech also said it has progressed its search for a permanent CEO, with an appointment expected to be announced prior to its annual general meeting in November. Interim CEO Andrew Cartledge will stay on beyond his planned retirement at the end of the calendar year if required.
What they said: "My return to employment at WiseTech as executive chair and chief innovation officer reflects my long-term commitment to continuing WiseTech's track record of delivering strong shareholder returns," said White.
"I am focused on implementing WiseTech's product-led innovation strategy and ensuring we have a strong succession plan in place to maintain our growth momentum."
