WiseTech Global has appointed former Seven West Media managing director and chief executive Jeff Howard as its new chief financial officer, as the Australian logistics software company navigates governance scrutiny and a period of leadership change.
Howard’s appointment, effective 28 September, comes at a critical point for WiseTech, which has faced board upheaval and regulatory scrutiny following allegations concerning billionaire founder Richard White.
White stepped down as CEO in October 2024 amid scrutiny of his conduct but remains the company’s largest shareholder, holding nearly 40% of the business.
Howard returns to senior ASX leadership
Howard brings more than two decades of experience across financial leadership, capital markets and business transformation. He served as CFO of Seven West Media before becoming managing director and CEO, holding senior leadership positions at the media company from 2020 to 2026.
He subsequently led Seven West through its merger with Southern Cross Media Group, leaving less than two months after the transaction was completed.
His departure followed a decline in the combined company’s share price and came shortly after the exit of former Seven West chairman Kerry Stokes, although no direct link between the developments and Howard’s resignation was established.
Prior to joining Seven West Media, Howard was CFO of HT&E Limited from 2012 to 2019. His earlier career included roles at ABN AMRO, RBS and KPMG.
A Chartered Accountant, Howard holds an Executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
WiseTech faces governance scrutiny
Howard joins WiseTech as the company continues to address governance concerns following the controversy surrounding White.
Four independent directors subsequently resigned after disagreements over White’s ongoing role, while the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) made inquiries into the company. The developments have increased scrutiny of WiseTech’s executive leadership and board oversight.
Caroline Pham, who has served as interim CFO since October 2024, will remain with WiseTech to support the transition.
WiseTech independent chair Raelene Murphy said, “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Jeff to WiseTech. Jeff brings deep financial strategy and leadership experience from his time as CFO and CEO of a major ASX-listed media company, together with a strong background in capital markets, transformation and governance. His appointment strengthens our executive leadership as the WiseTech team continues to execute our strategy and pursue the next phase of growth.”
“Jeff’s appointment, combined with the recent appointment of Tim Ebbeck to our Board and as the new Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee, demonstrate the Board’s ongoing commitment to delivering on its succession planning priorities and to ensuring robust governance and a deep pool of executive talent for the Company."
Focus on growth and global expansion
WiseTech CEO Zubin Appoo said Howard’s experience would support the company as it moves into its next phase of growth.
“We are thrilled that Jeff will be joining WiseTech at this important juncture in our history. Jeff is a seasoned ASX executive and we will benefit greatly from his extensive experience as a financial and business leader. I’m confident that Jeff will help our team to deliver our commitments and accelerate our growth into the future.”
Howard also noted, “The global scale of CargoWise, the e2open acquisition, the benefits from WiseTech’s rapid adoption of AI, and the growth opportunities set out in the FY26 results presentation together make this an exciting time to join WiseTech. The chance to continue to grow a great Australian company, competing on the world stage, is one I couldn't pass up. I'm looking forward to working with the Board, Zubin, Richard and the team on the next phase of growth.”
WiseTech’s CargoWise platform serves more than 20,000 logistics companies across 193 countries, including major global logistics providers. Following its acquisition of e2open, the company’s network has expanded to more than 500,000 connected enterprises as WiseTech pursues its ambition to become the operating system for global trade and logistics.