One NZ has appointed Sonia Fernandes as Chief People Officer as the telecommunications company reshapes its executive team ahead of Nick Judd taking over as CEO on 31 August, according to an announcement on the One NZ official website.
Fernandes will join the company at the end of August, bringing more than 20 years of experience in people leadership and organisational transformation across technology, consulting, media and professional services.
Fernandes joins from POLITICO
Fernandes most recently served as Global Chief Human Resources Officer at POLITICO, where she spent more than two years.
Her previous experience includes people leadership roles at WPP, BBC and KPMG, with roles spanning New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Europe, the US and India.
One NZ said Fernandes brings international experience and a strong commercial focus to the role, alongside expertise in building organisational capability and leading large-scale transformation.
Two executives move into new roles
The reshuffle also includes two internal appointments.
Current Chief Technology Officer Kieran Byrne will become Chief Financial Officer, while GM Business Transformation Sharina Nisha will take over as Chief Technology Officer.
Byrne has held senior roles across strategy, transformation and technology. His expanded portfolio will continue to include the Infrastructure Partners wholesale function.
Nisha has more than 30 years of telecommunications experience. At One NZ, she has led initiatives including the T-One simplification programme, One NZ Satellite and the company's AI implementation.
Leadership changes ahead of new CEO
Judd, who currently serves as CFO said, “These appointments demonstrate the continuity in our strategy, while also adding fresh perspectives to our Executive team. Promoting from within reflects the strength of our leadership pipeline, and bringing Sonia into the business adds valuable new experience and thinking.”
“I'm looking forward to welcoming Sonia to One NZ and seeing Kieran and Sharina step into new roles that are pivotal to the long-term success of our business,” he concluded.
The appointments come as Judd prepares to succeed Jason Paris as One NZ CEO.