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The embattled billionaire CEO of logistics software firm WiseTech, Richard White, says he remains “laser-focused” on leading the ASX-listed company despite a deepening court fight with a former lover who has claimed he “expected” sex from her in return for a promise to invest in her business.
As this masthead previously reported, Linda Rogan, a former Real Housewives of Sydney contender, is seeking a court order setting aside a bankruptcy notice issued to her by White, one of Australia’s richest men, over almost $100,000 she claims she spent at his behest to furnish a $13.1 million Vaucluse mansion.
WiseTech Global founder and CEO Richard White. Credit: Oscar Colman
She has alleged White purchased the home in 2022 for her to live in with her children but that she never moved in because his wife, Zena Nasser, discovered the clandestine relationship.
Rogan’s claims have not yet been tested in court. Analysts have claimed the court fight could be a distraction for White, but he told this masthead this morning he would not be stepping aside or standing down.
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“I remain fully committed and laser-focused on delivering WiseTech’s strategy,” White said in a statement.
“I have spent the last 30 years building WiseTech from the basement of my home into what today is a leading developer and provider of software solutions to the logistics execution industry globally.
“My commitment and focus over this period have been unwavering and continues to be so. I am driven and focused on the business and its growth and excited about the opportunities that WiseTech has, to continue to create value for our shareholders and customers.”
On Thursday, the WiseTech board said in a statement that it would “continue to actively assess events and carefully consider the appropriate steps as required,” despite White’s issues being of a “highly personal nature”.
“The board is conscious of the potential impact on WiseTech, and has been meeting regularly to consider the situation,” the board said in the statement.
“Richard White founded and has led WiseTech to become one of the great Australian corporate success stories, with strong and deep capability across the entire organisation. The board is confident in the company’s strategy and focused on the enormous market opportunity and potential ahead of it.”