Senior Vocus executive Ellie Sweeney has been appointed as CEO of NBN Co for the next five years.

Ms Sweeney has more than 20 years of executive experience in the telecommunications sector, including as CEO and COO of Vocus Group, and over 10 years at Telstra.

Ms Sweeney brought a strong understanding of NBN Co’s mission to provide fast, reliable, affordable and secure broadband services, as well as the regulatory environment in which it operated, finance minister Katy Gallagher said.

“Ms Sweeney has demonstrated strong leadership qualities and has decades of experience leading transformation in the telecommunications industry,” the minister said.

Communications minster Michelle Rowland said Ms Sweeney’s appointment came at an important time with the government investing in network upgrades and improved technology.

Ms Sweeney will replace Philip Knox, who has acted as NBN Co’s interim CEO since May 2024,following the resignation of his predecessor Stephen Rue.

Mr Knox will return to the role of Chief Financial Officer once Ms Sweeney commences as CEO.