Richard White (businessman)
Richard White | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Need valid birth date: year, month, day Sydney, Australia |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Known for | Executive chair and co-founder of WiseTech Global |
Richard White (born December 1954) is an Australian billionaire who serves as the executive chair and co-founder of WiseTech Global, a company focused on technology solutions for transport logistics. He stepped down from his role as CEO in October 2024 following accusations involving sexual and corporate misconduct but continues to hold the position of chairman of the board.
Early life and career
Born in Sydney in 1954 and raised in Bexley, White grew up in a family where his father ran an engineering firm, and his mother sold cookware through home parties. During his youth, he gained early work experience washing dishes at his grandparents' wedding reception business.
Prior to establishing WiseTech, White was involved musically with the band Jade and worked as a refrigeration mechanic. He also founded Rock Repairs, a small enterprise focused on guitar repairs. Self-taught in electronics and programming, he developed lighting systems for various bands.
Education
White completed his secondary education at Sydney Technical High School in 1972 and later earned a master's degree in IT management in 2002.
WiseTech
In 1994, White co-founded WiseTech—initially known as Eagle Developments International—with Maree Isaacs, building upon their earlier professional partnership. By 2000, the company had secured a foothold within Australia's logistics industry and expanded into the U.S. market under the CargoWise brand in 2006. The business rebranded to WiseTech in 2011 and went public on the ASX in 2016.
Sexual harassment and bullying allegations
In 2024, White became subject to numerous allegations, including claims from Linda Rogan that he demanded sexual favors in return for business investments. It was reported that he purchased a property in Vaucluse for Rogan but subsequently denied her access, resulting in financial loss. Additional women accused him of exchanging business guidance for sexual relations, often initiated through LinkedIn. Reports also revealed a sexual relationship with an employee to whom he gifted a $7 million residence. An outgoing board member further accused White of persistent intimidation and bullying. These accusations led to his resignation as WiseTech's CEO.
A subsequent company investigation cleared White of bullying and intimidation charges, enabling him to continue working as a consultant with his previous salary retained. Industry analysts observed that these disclosures had minimal effect on his standing within the sector.
Early in 2025, new allegations surfaced from a Brazilian woman who claimed White offered financial support and visa assistance in exchange for a sexual relationship; this matter was resolved by April. Three additional women—including an employee and contractor—made comparable accusations. Amid growing investor dissatisfaction, most members of the WiseTech board resigned.
White obstructed the publication of a report examining his conduct and was elevated to executive chairman following the mass departure of the board, thereby effectively regaining control over the company.
Other activities
White and WiseTech have invested in Grok Academy, an Australian technology education organization led by James Curran, which aims to deliver free tech learning opportunities and encourage similar efforts across Australian tech firms. In 2024, Grok Academy was acquired by KIK Innovation after its CEO left amid harassment allegations.
Additionally, White introduced an earn-and-learn initiative that compensates students working at WiseTech while they pursue their academic degrees.
Personal life
White lives in a large residence situated on a private estate in Bexley, constructed on the site of his childhood home. Within this self-sustaining property, which operates independently from external energy sources through a 100kW solar array and a 235kWh Tesla battery, his mother, children, and several close friends occupy separate dwellings.
He ended his marriage with Barbara Mason in 2015 and later wed Zena Nasser, a former criminal attorney, in 2024 in the United States. Together, they have a child born through surrogacy.
Net worth
In 2018, Forbes ranked White among Australia's 50 wealthiest individuals, estimating his net worth at over 1 billion. By January 2025, Forbes valued his net worth at approximately 9.2 billion, while the Financial Review 2025 Rich List placed it at 10.59 billion.
| Year | Financial Review Rich List |
Forbes Australia's 50 Richest |
Sunday Times Rich List | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Net worth (Template:AUD) | Rank | Net worth (Template:USD) | Rank | Net worth (Template:GBP) | |
| 2016 | Template:Nts Template:Gain | $657 million Template:Gain | ||||
| 2017 | Template:Nts 
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$882 million
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| 2018 | Template:Nts Template:Up | $1.66 billion Template:Up | Template:Nts Template:Up | c. $1.0 billion Template:Up | ||
| 2019 | Template:Nts
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$3.31 billion
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Template:Nts
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$2.2 billion Template:Up | ||
| 2020 | Template:Nts 
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$4.10 billion Template:Gain | ||||
| 2021 | Template:Nts Template:Up | $4.7 billion Template:Up | ||||
| 2022 | Template:Nts Template:Up | $6.33 billion Template:Up | ||||
| 2023 | Template:Nts Template:Up | $9.11 billion Template:Up | Template:Nts Template:Up | $5.4 billion Template:Up | ||
| 2024 | Template:Nts
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$11.63 billion Template:Up | Template:Nts 
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$6.3 billion Template:Up | ||
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Unchanged from previous year | |
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