Telstra’s former retail boss Kevin Russell is joining NBN Co as a non-executive director to the Board.

Mr Russell has had a 20 year career in the telecommunications industry, having previously worked in senior executive positions at Optus, Hutchison Telecoms and UK mobile network operator Three.

Most recently he was Managing Director and CEO of Vocus Group.

Communications minister Michelle Rowland says the appointment of Mr Russell ensures a strong and diverse Board will continue to oversee NBN Co, the government business enterprise charged with designing, building and operating Australia’s National Broadband Network.

She also thanked Andrew Dix for his service as Non-Executive Director on the NBN Co Board since 2021.

Mr Dix’s time on the Board included overseeing the upgrade of a further two million premises as part of the NBN Co’s fixed-line network upgrade program, and the revision of NBN Co’s Special Access Undertaking accepted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission as being in the long-term interests of consumers, Ms Rowland said.

“We congratulate Mr Russell on his appointment, and look forward to continuing to work with NBN Co to connect Australians to high quality broadband,” she said.

Mr Russell’s three year term commenced on April 22.