SYDNEY, Feb 26, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The billionaire founder of Australian software firm WiseTech Global took over as executive chairman on Wednesday, the company said, four months after relinquishing control over allegations of inappropriate personal relationships.

As executive chairman, Richard White will help oversee the search for a permanent chief executive, according to a company statement -- the same post he quit in October following a series of media claims about his conduct.

"The executive chairman will lead the company's product development and growth strategy," it said.

White's appointment coincided with the simultaneous resignations of the chairman and three independent directors, who said they were leaving effective Wednesday because of "intractable differences" over his role in the company.

WiseTech stock plummeted 20.1 percent on Monday on the Australian Securities Exchange.

The shares fell another 2.8 percent on Tuesday but regained most of that lost ground in Wednesday morning trade as WiseTech reported rising profits.

Sales climbed 17 percent year-on-year to US$381 million in the six months to December 31, it said.

Net profit rose 38 percent to US$106.4 million.

White stepped down as chief executive in October following multiple allegations in the media, including that he engaged in undisclosed "close personal relationships" in the workplace.

He nevertheless retained the title of "founder and founding CEO".

A company-ordered review of the allegations by two legal firms found there was no evidence of any failure by White to disclose matters to the board, according to a November update.

The review also cleared White of bullying, finding that he "has a direct approach and that from time to time is involved in robust and challenging discussion".

This month, the WiseTech board said it had received two confidential complaints -- from an employee and a supplier -- making unspecified allegations against White.

Both complaints were being "considered" in the ongoing review, it said.