Appointments to NBN board

The federal government has announced three appointments to the NBN board.

They are Ellie Sweeney, Kevin Russell and Nerida Caesar.

Sweeney joins the state-owned broadband corporation as executive director for three years from 3 December 2024 with extensive experience in the telecommunications industry.

Formally chief executive officer and chief operating officer of telecoms company Vocus Group, Sweeney was recently appointed NBN CEO.

“We welcome the deep industry knowledge Ms Sweeney will bring to the role of CEO and as a member of the board,” reads a statement from the office of the minister for communications.

Russell will take on the role of chair on an interim basis for two years, commencing from 1 January 2025. Russell joined the NBN board in April.

“Mr Russell’s appointment will ensure continuity on the board until a permanent chair is appointed,” reads the statement.

Russell replaces outgoing NBN co-chair, Kate McKenzie. “The government acknowledges outgoing NBN co-chair, Ms Kate McKenzie, for her service to the board and significant contributions, including improving the customer focus of the company, providing strategic direction on capital raising, and overseeing important milestones including network upgrades and the revision and acceptance of the NBN Special Access Undertaking,” says the statement.

First appointed to the NBN board in April this year, Caesar is an experienced executive who has held senior roles at Telstra and IBM. She is also an advisor to the technology sector.

“Reappointing Ms Caesar ensures the retention of critical knowledge and continuity to the board,” says the statement. “The government also thanks non-executive director, Ms Elisha Parker, for her contributions, particularly for bringing a regional perspective, and working to continuously improve workplace health and safety practices.”

Minister for communications Michelle Rowland said the three appointees “bring a wealth of experience in telecommunications, technology, business, and commercial expertise to the NBN Co board”, adding:  “I look forward to working with the board on continuing to deliver on NBN Co’s mission to provide affordable and accessible broadband services for the benefit of all Australians.”