Australia’s largest listed technology company, WiseTech Global, is facing renewed scrutiny as its board re-investigates serious allegations against founder and CEO Richard White.

The allegations, made by a former sexual partner in late 2020, included claims of inappropriate behaviour and led to a multi-million-dollar settlement.

Initially addressed by a subcommittee of WiseTech’s board, which included only two current directors, the issue has resurfaced following inquiries from Australian media outlets.

The rest of the board, unaware of the matter until recently, convened crisis meetings over the weekend to consider the claims further.

Shares in Wisetech Global have fallen over 11% since the start of October when reports about White’s personal life started emerging.

Disturbing behaviour

Further investigations have revealed disturbing patterns of behaviour, including reports of White contacting female entrepreneurs with offers of support that escalated into suggestive communications.

WiseTech’s growth has helped Mr White amass a personal fortune of more than $10 billion, according to the Financial Review Rich List.

Additionally, concerns have emerged regarding undisclosed payments to former WiseTech chief growth officer Gail Williamson and a previously withdrawn apprehended violence order filed by White’s wife in 2021.

While White maintains his innocence and denies the claims, his private life has increasingly become a public concern, especially as his dispute with former lover Linda Rogan remains unresolved.

Despite the controversy, White, who founded WiseTech in 1994 and continues to hold significant power within the company, has stated he is fully committed to WiseTech’s strategic goals.

The company’s board, led by chairman Richard Dammery, is now conducting further inquiries to ensure transparency and corporate governance in light of these developments.