In a strategic move aimed at reshaping its leadership landscape, Optus, one of Australia's leading telecommunications providers, has tapped Stephen Rue, the current CEO of Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN), to helm its operations under a revamped governance model. 

Rue's appointment, effective November 2024, comes on the heels of the resignation of previous CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, who stepped down amidst a national network outage.

According to reports from Capacity, Optus Chairman Paul O'Sullivan advocated for the selection of a CEO with extensive telco experience, both within and outside the organisation. 

"My advice would be to look externally as well as internally and look for the best possible experience," O'Sullivan emphasised in a recent interview. "I do think telco experience is very helpful in running a big telco."

Stephen Rue undeniably brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having joined the NBN in 2014 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) before ascending to the role of CEO in 2018, Rue played a pivotal role in steering Australia's national wholesale open-access data network towards its ambitious goals of upgrading the nation's internet and voice networks. 

During his tenure spanning a decade, Rue oversaw the completion of the broadband rollout, facilitating connectivity for over 8 million Australian homes and businesses.

In light of Rue's transition to Optus, NBN's Chief Financial Officer, Philip Knox, is slated to assume the role of interim CEO until a suitable replacement is identified. 

Optus Chairman Paul O'Sullivan expressed optimism regarding Rue's appointment, stating, "We expect Rue's operational and financial background to lift service standards significantly for the benefit of our customers."

Coinciding with Rue's appointment, Singtel, Optus' parent company, unveiled a new governance model tailored to align with its vision of embracing a decentralised operating structure. 

Under this framework, Optus' CEO and executives will report directly to the Optus Board, a body that Rue is poised to join alongside Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon and current interim CEO Michael Venter, who will retain his role until November.

The restructuring efforts come at a crucial juncture for Optus, which has grappled with a series of challenges in recent years, including a high-profile network outage and a significant cyber breach. In response, the Board and executives are poised to collaborate closely to redefine the company's strategy and rebuild customer trust.

Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon underscored the significance of Rue's appointment in light of prevailing economic uncertainties, emphasising the need for businesses to foster independence and agility. 

"We believe the new governance model will set the Optus management up for success and help Optus restore and cement its position as a leading player in the Australian telecommunications market," Moon remarked, highlighting the company's unwavering commitment to its strategic goals.

As Stephen Rue prepares to assume his new role at the helm of Optus, stakeholders anticipate a period of transformation and renewal, underpinned by a concerted effort to drive innovation, enhance service delivery, and fortify the company's position in an increasingly competitive telecommunications landscape.