WiseTech CEO faces family threats after AI job cuts announcement
Original: This CEO announced huge job cuts because of AI. Threats to his family followed
Why This Matters
Demonstrates critical communication failures when implementing AI-driven workforce reductions
WiseTech Global's Richard White received violent threats against family after announcing 2,000 job cuts due to AI implementation. The billionaire founder's comment comparing $100 human labor to $2 AI sparked employee fury at the logistics software company.
WiseTech Global founder Richard White faced violent threats against his family after announcing massive AI-driven layoffs. At a Macquarie Bank conference, White said it doesn't take much to convince people they're 'stupid to be paying $100 for labour when you can pay $2 for the AI.' The ASX-listed logistics software company announced plans to eliminate 2,000 jobs - nearly 30% of its 7,000-person workforce - over two years. CEO Zubin Appoo said AI now completes six-month projects in one day and global customs capability rollouts seven times faster. The announcement came alongside better-than-expected profits, creating employee anger. Police were contacted after handwritten threats containing personal information about CEO families. The incident highlights HR failures including poor communication and tone-deaf executive messaging during AI restructuring.