Appointments to NBN Co Board

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce three appointments to the NBN Co Limited (NBN Co) Board, including:

Ms Ellie Sweeney as Executive Director, for three years from 3 December 2024

Mr Kevin Russell as Chair, on an interim basis for up to six months commencing from 1 January 2025

Ms Nerida Caesar as Non-Executive Director, for two years, commencing from 1 January 2025

Ms Sweeney has extensive executive experience in the telecommunications industry. Having served as the CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Vocus Group, Ms Sweeney was recently appointed as the CEO of NBN Co. We welcome the deep industry knowledge Ms Sweeney will bring to the role of CEO and as a member of the Board.

Mr Russell was first appointed to the NBN Co Board on 22 April 2024. Mr Russell’s appointment as Chair on an interim basis will ensure continuity on the Board until a permanent Chair is appointed. Mr Russell has a demonstrated history over three decades of leading and driving change in the telecommunications industry, with senior leadership positions at Vocus, Optus, Hutchison and Telstra.

Ms Caesar was first appointed to the NBN Co Board on 1 January 2022. Reappointing Ms Caesar ensures the retention of critical knowledge and continuity on the Board. Ms Caesar is an experienced senior executive, having held Group Managing Director roles at Telstra and as a Vice President at IBM. She is also an experienced board member and an advisor in the technology sector.

The Government congratulates Mr Russell, Ms Caesar and Ms Sweeney on their appointments.

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.

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.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:

“These appointments will ensure continuity of NBN Co’s leadership, enabling the company to provide fast, affordable and reliable broadband services to all Australians.

“I look forward to seeing the upgrade of the National Broadband Network continue as Ms Sweeney commences her role as CEO and Executive Director, alongside Mr Russell, Ms Caesar and the rest of the Board.

“I thank Ms Kate McKenzie for her contributions to the running of NBN Co.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“The NBN Co Board plays a key role in overseeing NBN Co ensuring that NBN as a publicly owned company continues to deliver for all Australians.

“Ms Sweeney, Mr Russell and Ms Caesar bring a wealth of experience in telecommunications, technology, business, and commercial expertise to the NBN Co Board.

“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.”