Billionaire CEO steps down amid legal investigation

Richard White co-founded Wisetech Global in 1994 and owns 37.5 per cent of the company. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

Wisetech Global chief executive Richard White is stepping down from the company he founded and has led for 30 years, as two law firms investigate claims about the billionaire's conduct.

Mr White's departure was effective immediately, Wisetech Global's board announced late on Thursday. 

Chief financial officer Andrew Cartledge will assume the role of interim CEO while a search is conducted for a permanent successor.

Herbert Smith Freehills and Seyfarth Shaw LLP were assisting in the investigation into specific issues raised regarding Mr White, the company said.

"Recent weeks have been challenging and uncertain ones for our people," Wisetech Global chairman Richard Dammery said.

"We acknowledge this and have put in place additional support" and the board was also taking a fresh look at its governance practices, he said.

Wisetech Global CEO Richard White (file image)
Richard White will transition to a full-time consultancy role with the software firm.

Mr White co-founded Wisetech Global in 1994 and still owns 37.5 per cent of the company, which has a market capitalisation of $35 billion, making it Australia's biggest ASX-listed tech company.

Wisetech's flagship product is a cloud-based logistics platform used by shippers such as DHL.

Mr White will take a short leave and then transition to a full-time consultancy role, with his compensation unchanged at $1 million a year.

He'll be on a 10-year term with an option to extend and report directly to the chair and board.

"It has been a challenging time for me personally, my family and close friends, and for the company that I have built and truly love," Mr White said in the statement announcing his departure.

He said he remained "absolutely committed" to Wisetech's success.

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