The WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price is up 8% after announcing a leadership change with the Chair.
WiseTech provides software to the global logistics industry.
Richard White steps down as Chair
The ASX tech share announced that Raelene Murphy has been appointed as the company’s new (independent) chair, with immediate effect.
Richard White will remain on the board as an executive director and will continue in his key role as chief innovation officer.
Murphy joined the board on 1 January 2026 and has been the lead independent director since 1 May 2026.
The WiseTech board said it continues to focus on a search for an additional independent non-executive director and it’s also looking at long-term executive succession planning.
Since March 2025, the company has appointed Chris Charlton, Sandra Hook, Rob Castaneda and Raelene Murphy as independent non-executive directors. An additional independent director would take the total number of independent directors to five.
WiseTech noted that Zubin Appoo was appointed as CEO in July 2025 and is an important part of the company’s succession planning. The board noted that Appoo has demonstrated “strong leadership since taking on the CEO role, and is comfortable with the progress of its executive succession plan.”
Leadership commentary
The WiseTech executive director and chief innovation officer Richard White said:
Recent personal media attention is creating an unnecessary distraction from the strength of WiseTech’s business. At this time, the senior management team, Zubin and I should be singularly focused on the execution of the Company’s growth strategy.
As I have stated previously, I strenuously and unequivocally deny the recent allegations in the media. Further, I am conscious that personal attacks on me in the media that are unconnected to the performance of the Company nevertheless have the potential to encourage short selling activity.
In my role as Chief Innovation Officer, I remain totally committed, and focused on execution of WiseTech’s growth strategy. I will continue to provide my full support to the Board, to WiseTech’s CEO, Zubin, and to the WiseTech senior management team and product leaders across the Company.
New WiseTech Chair Raelene Murphy said:
Since my appointment as Lead Independent Director, I have proactively engaged with shareholders and shared their strong feedback with Richard and the Board.
My personal experience working with Richard is totally at odds with media reports. I have found him to be an incredibly hardworking, focused and committed founder who has built a leading global technology business with enormous potential to continue to grow stronger and thrive.
As a Board, a key priority is to drive long term succession planning, whilst retaining the depth of experience, value and strategic insights that Richard brings, which he will continue to provide in his role as Chief Innovation Officer and as an executive director.
Final thoughts on the WiseTech share price
The market clearly likes this move. I think it’s wise considering the significant media attention on the business and particularly White, while allowing him to focus on improving software at the business.
Will it regain investor confidence? It could take some time amid AI concerns, but it’s still one of the best Australian software businesses that have been created.
It could be significantly undervalued at this level if its profit continues rising, but there are other ASX growth shares I’d personally rather buy.
