As government backs way from Chinese companies, Telstra brings a local exec to its board.

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Former Microsoft regional chief executive Tim Chen who also held the role of ex-President Motorola China, has joined Telstra board of directors, it said today.

US educated Chen currently sits on the board of three Chinese companies and is a partner with GL Capital Group, a private equity firm.

The appointment will be beneficial to the telco’s “strategic growth areas”, said Telstra chairman Catherine Livingstone.

“Tim’s career experience aligns well with our strategic growth areas, particularly in our Asian and network applications and services businesses.”

“Tim brings broad technology, strategic and business experience working with private and public sector entities.

Livingstone also said the board was “very pleased” to have the Chinese exec join the table.

Telstra latest board appointee comes in the wake of the ban the Federal government slapped on Chinese network provider Huawei from working on the NBN amid fears about espionage by the Chinese government, which has links with the operator.

However, Telstra shareholders will have to formally approve the appointment next October but Mr Chen will commence his role starting next week.