Telstra’s (ASX:TLS) consumer business group managing director, Vicki Brady, is stepping in to replace the telco’s consumer and small business group executive, Kevin Russell.
The company told shareholders on 5 September that Brady would replace Russell in the role, effective immediately.
In the new role, Brady is responsible for Telstra’s consumer, small business, channels to market and product functions, as well as the telco’s customer experience programs.
She will report directly to Telstra CEO, Andrew Penn, and join the CEO leadership team.
“Vicki brings a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge in the Australian telecommunications sector,” Penn said in a statement. “Since joining Telstra, she has proven herself leading our contact centres, stores, digital channels, business centres, licensee and partner arrangements as well as demonstrating an unrelenting focus on customer experience.
“She has a strong track record of improving customer experiences, leading product simplification and delivering outstanding commercial results. She is highly regarded internally and externally and will make a strong addition to my leadership team.”
Meanwhile, Penn thanked Russell for his 18 months of service.
“We are grateful for the contributions which Kevin Russell made during his time with Telstra and wish him all the best for the future,” Penn said.
Brady has been with Telstra since mid-2016, joining as group managing director, consumer, after coming over from SingTel Optus, where she held the position of managing director of marketing and products in Australia.
The move comes as the telco makes changes to the remuneration it offers some of its licensed retailers.
Telstra announced proposed remuneration changes to its channels on 28 October last year, which unfavourably impacted Vita group’s share price.
One of its biggest licensed retail store partners, Vita Group, agreed to forego some remuneration factors for a greater store presence after renegotiating its licensing deal with Telstra.
Another Telstra partner, Interactive Telecoms, went into voluntary administration after the company was hit by financial difficulties arising from ongoing changes in the way Telstra structures its commissions for licensed retailers.
