WiseTech Global has appointed Zubin Appoo as its new CEO, effective immediately, following a combined internal and external search to find a successor to interim CEO Andrew Cartledge, who will retire at the end of 2025.
Appoo is no stranger to WiseTech, playing a key role in the company’s early growth between 2004 and 2018, working closely with co-founder and current executive chair Richard White to help shape its long-term strategy.
Now, after several senior roles across the tech and innovation space, he returns to take the top job at the logistics software firm.
“Zubin’s appointment follows an internal and external process which considered a number of qualified candidates,” WiseTech lead independent director Andrew Harrison says.
“We’re pleased to welcome Zubin to his new role as WiseTech’s Chief Executive Officer. He brings a strong software and product development background along with knowledge of WiseTech’s products, markets and methods – attributes that were identified as critical by shareholders in the feedback we received through the investor engagement survey commissioned by the Board earlier this year.”
Appoo has more than 20 years of experience leading teams and scaling technology-driven businesses. Since departing WiseTech in 2018, he has held senior roles across several companies, including as chief technology officer at InLoop, Flexischools and HICAPS, and most recently as CEO of Find a Carer.
“Zubin understands WiseTech’s DNA and ambition,” Harrison says.
“With his return, we are confident in the strength of our leadership and their ability to drive long-term value for shareholders.”
As CEO, Appoo will report directly to the Board and oversee company performance, operations, culture, product delivery and commercial strategy. He will also work closely with Richard White on long-term product vision and innovation.
White welcomed the appointment, calling it a vital move for WiseTech’s future.
“As WiseTech enters the next phase of its growth trajectory, it is imperative that we have a strong succession plan in place,” he says.
“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.”
Appoo described his appointment as an honour.
“I’m honored to be appointed CEO and appreciate the Board’s trust in my abilities,” he says.
“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.”
Andrew Cartledge, who has served as interim CEO since October 2024 and was the company’s CFO since 2015, will stay on as an employee until his retirement at the end of this year. He will work on key projects and support Appoo’s transition.
“On behalf of the Board, I’d also like to thank Andrew for his leadership and commitment since joining the Company in 2015, in his roles as both CFO and interim CEO,” Harrison says.
“His contributions to WiseTech have been instrumental to our success, including during periods of significant change. His dedication as a leader to the whole WiseTech team has positioned us for future growth and we wish him well when he retires, as planned, at the end of the year.”
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