Optus’ CEO Kevin Russell, who has been in the role since 2012, is soon to be its former CEO. At the end of March, Russell will “move on to other challenges”, leaving Optus parent company SingTel’s CEO Paul O’Sullivan to fill the role while a new leader is selected.
O’Sullivan has actually held the role before; he was Optus Australia CEO for eight years from 2004 until Russell’s hiring. A press release on SingTel’s website shared the news, with O’Sullivan releasing a statement thanking Russell and looking forward to Optus’ future:
“In coming months we will focus on accelerating market momentum, extending our lead in customer experience and transforming our business further. I wish Kevin all success for the future and thank him for his significant contribution over the past two years.”
It’s been quite a shaky few months recently if you’re an Australian telco CEO. Mike Quigley started the stampede in October when he left NBN Co — a role that was quickly filled by Bill Morrow, whose job at Vodafone then went to Iñaki Berroeta.
Before he was at Optus, Russell was CEO of Hutchison Three in the UK and of Hutchison Telecoms in Australia, where he oversaw the first local roll-out of a 3G mobile network.