Telstra announced the appointment of former Nokia and Microsoft devices chief executive, Stephen Elop and former CEO of Optus, Kevin Russel to key positions in the company.
Stephen will be taking charge of a newly created role of Group Executive Technology, Innovation and Strategy, where he will report directly to Andrew Penn, CEO of Telstra and be based jointly in the United States and Australia. The Technology, Innovation and Strategy portfolio brings together aligned lines of business including the Chief Technology Office, Chief Scientist, Telstra Software Group and Corporate Strategy. In his new role, Stephen, 52, who has a Bachelor of Computer Engineering and Management and an honorary Doctorate of Science from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada will be leading Telstra’s strategy to become a world class technology company.
Meanwhile, Kevin Russell will join Telstra next month as Group Executive Telstra Retail leading the company’s consumer, business, stores and product functions. Russell was with SingTel Optus from January 2012 to March 2014, holding the positions of Chief Operating Officer and CEO Consumer, Australia then the combined role of Country Chief Officer and CEO Consumer, Australia.
Andrew Penn, CEO Telstra
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 recognized international technology leader and strategist from across a range of global organizations.
Stephen Elop, CEO
I have long recognised the Telstra team as one of the most innovative and insightful in the telecommunications industry. Telstra has a strong focus on its customers, and a willingness to invest in advanced products and services to best serve those customers.
