On February 25, 2026, logistics software firm WiseTech Global Ltd. unveiled plans to trim its global workforce by approximately 2,000 employees over the ensuing two years, representing a reduction of nearly 30% from its current total of 7,000 staff members. CEO Zubin Appa articulated that artificial intelligence (AI) will markedly elevate operational efficiency, enabling the attainment of heightened productivity with a diminished workforce and in a shorter timeframe, thus comprehensively refining the cost framework and revolutionizing the software development business model. The workforce reduction will span multiple departments across 40 nations, with customer service roles bearing the brunt—approximately half of the personnel in this sector are anticipated to be affected.

Appa underscored that AI is unlocking unprecedented efficiency enhancements, including the automated generation of code, the optimization of supply chain algorithms, and the real-time management of customer inquiries. Amidst market apprehensions that AI might render the company's software obsolete, precipitating a 37% decline in its stock price this year, Appa remains confident that WiseTech's software remains indispensable to global trade and logistics, and is irreplaceable. The layoffs are slated for completion within the current and upcoming fiscal years, primarily impacting the product research and development as well as customer service divisions.