Telstra CEO David Thodey has announced a major shakeup following the shock exit of Media Group Executive Rick Ellis from the national carrier.
New appointments to the Telstra executive committee include Mark Buckman as Group Managing Director, Media and Marketing, and Mike Wright as Group Managing Director, Networks.
Thodey said Buckman and Wright would immediately join the senior executive group, which supports the CEO leadership team setting and achieving Telstra’s strategic goals.
Mr Thodey said Media Group Executive Rick Ellis would leave Telstra following the completed majority sale of Sensis to Platinum Equity Group significantly reducing his portfolio.
Buckman’s role will be expanded to encompass all of Telstra’s brand and digital media growth activities. Having joined Telstra in late 2010 as Chief Marketing Officer, he took extra responsibilities last year as Executive Director Digital Media and IPTV/Pay TV. Buckman will continue reporting to Telstra Retail Group Executive, Gordon Ballantyne.
Wright, a 33-year veteran of the organisation, is recognised as a leading international network engineer and oversaw the creation of Telstra’s renowned 4G mobile network for its customers. Wright will continue to report to Group Executive Operations, Kate McKenzie.
Mr Thodey thanked Ellis for his contributions, saying he had helped Telstra expand its media credentials and relationships with key partners and stakeholders such as Foxtel and sporting organisations. A former Television New Zealand CEO, Ellis joined Telstra in January 2012 managing through an important period of consolidation.
“Rick has served Telstra well through an intense period of change. He was a key member of the Telstra leadership team and achieved major outcomes with our Foxtel working relationship and Sensis partnership with Platinum,” Mr Thodey said.
