WiseTech Shares Plunge 20% Amid CEO Richard White's Scandalous Allegations and Investor Fears

October 22, 2024
WiseTech Shares Plunge 20% Amid CEO Richard White's Scandalous Allegations and Investor Fears
  • As the founder and largest shareholder, White holds considerable power within WiseTech, complicating the board's response to the allegations.

  • In late 2020, a woman threatened to report damaging allegations about White's relationship with her and his alleged misuse of company funds for her benefit.

  • WiseTech Global, Australia's largest listed technology company, experienced a dramatic plunge in its share price, dropping nearly 20% on a recent Monday morning amid serious allegations against its CEO, Richard White.

  • The fallout from these personal controversies surrounding White has raised significant investor fears regarding his leadership of the $36 billion company.

  • White provided the WiseTech board with a declaration denying the allegations, which were later assessed by directors as an extortion attempt.

  • The WiseTech board is under pressure to address the situation and has stated it is reviewing the allegations while seeking external advice.

  • An investigation revealed serious allegations against White from a former partner, which led to a multimillion-dollar settlement in March 2021.

  • A joint investigation by several major Australian publications uncovered multiple claims of inappropriate behavior by White, including suggestive communications with female entrepreneurs.

  • While the allegations are personal, their implications for WiseTech's shareholders and overall reputation are substantial.

  • The significant drop in WiseTech's share price highlights White's crucial role in the company, a phenomenon referred to as 'key man risk'.

  • In response to the media scrutiny, WiseTech Global announced a review concerning White, acknowledging the potential impacts on the company's reputation.

  • Since the beginning of October 2023, WiseTech's shares have declined over 11%, reflecting the increasing media scrutiny of White's private life.

Summary based on 6 sources


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Sources

Billions wiped off WiseTech’s books as crisis engulfs CEO

The Sydney Morning Herald • Oct 21, 2024

Billions wiped off WiseTech’s books as crisis engulfs CEO

WiseTech and MinRes join growing list of governance casualties

The Sydney Morning Herald • Oct 21, 2024

WiseTech and MinRes join growing list of governance casualties


Richard White’s sex scandal ignored by WiseTech-linked media startup

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