Australian logistics software firm WiseTech Global has appointed Zubin Appoo as its new chief executive, effective immediately.
Zubin succeeds Andrew Cartledge, who had served as interim chief executive from October 2024, and prior to that as chief financial officer since September 2015, and will retire as planned at the end of the year.
Reporting directly to the WiseTech board, Zubin will have full accountability for the performance and growth of the business, including leadership across operations, people, culture, product delivery and commercial performance.
WiseTech, which owns cargo management system CargoWise, said Zubin had a key role in the rapid growth of WiseTech between 2004 and 2018.
Since 2018, Appoo has held various executive leadership roles with responsibilities across disruptive technology, innovation, people, culture, revenue and strategy, including as chief technology officer at InLoop, Flexischools and HICAPS (an NAB business) and as chief executive at Find a Carer.
In his previous period of time with WiseTech, Appoo worked directly with co-founder and then-chief executive Richard White in shaping WiseTech’s growth strategy.
He will now collaborate with and support White, who is now executive chair, with long-term product vision, innovation and strategic investment.
White's involvement in WiseTech has been steeped in controversy recently. In October 2024, when White was chief executive, the company announced he would leave the role and move to a consultancy position after allegations about his work and personal life emerged.
But in February, with White appointed as executive chair, four of six board members resigned from their roles as a result of differing views around the ongoing role of White at the company.
Zubin said of his appointment as chief executive: “I’m honored to be appointed CEO and appreciate the Board’s trust in my abilities. I am a strong believer in WiseTech, and have been a shareholder since 2005. I’ve been a part of, and witnessed, the immense impact WiseTech continues to have on the global logistics industry since its inception more than 30 years ago.
"I’m looking forward to working together with the Board, the strong senior leadership team including Richard, and the wider WiseTech family, as we drive long-term growth and expand our vision to be the operating system for global trade and logistics.”
White said: "As WiseTech enters the next phase of its growth trajectory, it is imperative that we have a strong succession plan in place. Zubin's proven leadership skills, extensive background in technology and product development, coupled with his deep understanding of WiseTech, our culture and products, as well as the logistics industry, makes him uniquely qualified to lead the WiseTech team.
“Since rejoining WiseTech as Chief of Staff, Zubin has been working closely with our senior leadership team, our development teams, as well as customers, and investors. He has immersed himself in WiseTech’s business operations with a focus on driving innovation, value creation, and efficiencies.
"His extensive prior experience at WiseTech, and his performance since rejoining prove he is able to lead WiseTech. The Board, senior leadership team and I personally look forward to working with Zubin to accelerate value creation for WiseTech shareholders, customers and staff.”
Cartledge will remain an employee of WiseTech until his retirement and will be working on a number of key projects that draw on his specific skillsets, said WiseTech. He will also be available to assist in any additional handover Zubin may require.
