Richard White lieutenant Zubin Appoo lands CEO role at WiseTech Global

WiseTech Global has elevated a key lieutenant of billionaire founder Richard White to chief executive to lead the logistics software giant out of a tumultuous 12 months.

Current chief of staff Zubin Appoo will succeed interim boss Andrew Cartledge, who was pushed into the role last October after Mr White gave up the job amid a series of damning allegations and a board investigation into his relationship with employees.

There were also allegations that he used his influence to gain sexual favours, and paid for a multimillion-dollar house for an employee he had been in a relationship with.

Mr White, who controls about 37 per of the company’s stock, sensationally regained control of WiseTech in February as executive chair, despite a probe by two law firms clearing Mr White in November of various allegations including bullying, misuse of company funds and failing to disclose close personal relationships.

His return was preceded by the departure of four independent directors who had voiced concern about “intractable differences” and his ongoing influence over the company.

Mr Appoo previously worked at the company between 2004 and 2018 as head of innovation and technology, working closely with Mr White, and rejoined the ranks in April.

In an announcement to the Australian Securities Exchange on Monday, WiseTech said he was a proven technology leader with an extensive understanding of WiseTech’s business, which develops software solutions for global supply chains and logistics firms.

It has a current customer base of 16,500 and its cloud-based platform, CargoWise, is used by freight companies including DHL to manage shipments around the globe.

In May it announced a $3.3b deal to fund expansion in the US through the acquisition of Texas-based e2open — the biggest ever deal in the company’s 30-year history.

“(Mr Appoo) will collaborate with and support co-founder and executive chair, Richard White, with long-term product vision, innovation and strategic investment,” the statement said.

“The appointment of Zubin reinforces the board’s commitment to robust governance and clarity of executive roles.

“This leadership model ensures the complementary strengths of both our executive chair and CEO are fully harnessed — with the CEO accountable to the board for operational performance and strategic execution.

“This clarity will serve our people, customers, partners, and investors well.”

Mr Appoo will have “full accountability for the performance and growth of the business, including leadership across operations, people, culture, product delivery and commercial performance”.

Lead independent director Andrew Harrison said Mr Appoo would bring to the role a strong software and product development background along with “knowledge of WiseTech’s products, markets and methods”.

Mr Harrison also said he would “seamlessly partner with our co-founder and executive chair, while also operating independently and decisively as CEO”.

Mr White said WiseTech needed a strong succession plan in place as the company plots its next phase of growth.

“Since rejoining WiseTech as chief of staff, Zubin has been working closely with our senior leadership team, our development teams, as well as customers, and investors,” he said.

“He has immersed himself in WiseTech’s business operations with a focus on driving innovation, value creation, and efficiencies.”

Mr Appoo will start on a base annual salary of $700,000 with a remuneration equity grant of $700,000 a year delivered in the form of share rights.

He said he was looking forward to working with the board, WiseTech’s senior leadership team including Mr White, and the wider WiseTech family.

“I am a strong believer in WiseTech, and have been a shareholder since 2005,” he said.

“I’ve been a part of, and witnessed, the immense impact WiseTech continues to have on the global logistics industry since its inception more than 30 years ago.”