The Federal Government announced three new appointments to the NBN Co Board, welcoming a new Executive Director.
Ms Ellie Sweeney has been appointed Executive Director, for three years from 3 December 2024.
Ms Sweeney has extensive executive experience in the telecommunications industry. Having served as the CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Vocus Group, Ms Sweeney was recently appointed as the CEO of NBN Co.
The Federal Government said it welcome the deep industry knowledge Ms Sweeney will bring to the role of CEO and as a member of the Board.
Mr Kevin Russell will remain as Chair, on an interim basis for up to six months commencing from 1 January 2025.
Mr Russell was first appointed to the NBN Co Board on 22 April 2024. The Federal Government said that Mr Russell’s appointment as Chair on an interim basis will ensure continuity on the Board until a permanent Chair is appointed. Mr Russell has a demonstrated history over three decades of leading and driving change in the telecommunications industry, with senior leadership positions at Vocus, Optus, Hutchison and Telstra.
Ms Nerida Caesar has also been reappointed as Non-Executive Director, for two years, commencing from 1 January 2025.
Ms Caesar was first appointed to the NBN Co Board on 1 January 2022, and the Federal Government said that reappointing Ms Caesar ensures the retention of critical knowledge and continuity on the Board.
Ms Caesar is an experienced senior executive, having held Group Managing Director roles at Telstra and as a Vice President at IBM. She is also an experienced board member and an advisor in the technology sector.
The Federal Government congratulated Mr Russell, Ms Caesar and Ms Sweeney on their appointments, and acknowledged outgoing NBN Co Chair, Ms Kate McKenzie, for her service to the Board and significant contributions, including improving the customer focus of the company, providing strategic direction on capital raising, and overseeing important milestones including network upgrades and the revision and acceptance of the NBN Special Access Undertaking.
It also thanked Non-Executive Director, Ms Elisha Parker, for her contributions, particularly for bringing a regional perspective, and working to continuously improve workplace health and safety practices.
Federal Minister for Finance, Katy Gallagher, said that these appointments will ensure continuity of NBN Co’s leadership, enabling the company to provide fast, affordable and reliable broadband services to all Australians.
“I look forward to seeing the upgrade of the National Broadband Network continue as Ms Sweeney commences her role as CEO and Executive Director, alongside Mr Russell, Ms Caesar and the rest of the Board,” Ms Gallagher said.
“I thank Ms Kate McKenzie for her contributions to the running of NBN Co.”
Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, said the NBN Co Board plays a key role in overseeing NBN Co ensuring that NBN as a publicly owned company continues to deliver for all Australians.
“Ms Sweeney, Mr Russell and Ms Caesar bring a wealth of experience in telecommunications, technology, business, and commercial expertise to the NBN Co Board,” Ms Rowland said.
“I look forward to working with the Board on continuing to deliver on NBN Co’s mission to provide affordable and accessible broadband services for the benefit of all Australians.”
Featured image: Andrii Yalanskyi/shutterstock.com
