Telstra appointments signal focus on technology
Appointments

Telstra appointments signal focus on technology

Former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop and SingTel Optus head Kevin Russell have joined Telstra’s management team.

Elop will join Tesltra in the newly created role of group executive for technology, innovation and strategy.

The group brings together aligned lines of business including the chief technology office, chief scientist, Telstra software group and corporate strategy with strong links into product development functions.

Elop has held global executive roles with Nokia, where he served as CEO of Nokia for three years, Microsoft, Juniper, Adobe and Macromedia.

“Stephen will immediately add major firepower to our team with his extensive and deep technology experience and an innate sense of customer expectations. He is a recognised international technology leader and strategist from across a range of global organisations,” said Telstra CEO Andrew Penn.

Russell will join Telstra next month as group executive of Telstra Retail, and will lead the company’s consumer, business, stores and product functions.

He was with SingTel Optus from January 2012 to March 2014, most recently in the combined role of Country Chief Officer and CEO Consumer, Australia. He also served as COO and CEO of Hutchison Three UK.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Kevin to the Telstra leadership team. He has an impressive track record working for several of the world’s largest telcos in a range of demanding markets,” Mr Penn said. “He has passionately worked to build customer experiences in new and existing major consumer brands and service business clients. He has managed major programs across national fixed and mobile networks and is well regarded in the local technology community.”

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