Gladys Berejiklian joins Optus in new role

Former Premier of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian, will join telecommunications company Optus in the newly created role of ‘Managing Director, Enterprise, Business and Institutional’.

The former politician, who resigned as Premier after being advised that the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) was investigating her, will join Optus on 28 February.

“I am excited and proud to join an organisation that impacts the lives of millions of Australians every day and prides itself in providing outstanding customer service. I look forward to working with Kelly and the Executive Team of Optus who are providing inspiring and innovative leadership in the telco sector,” Berejiklian said.

Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin said Berejiklian, in her new role, will focus on unlocking a greater share of the multi-billion-dollar enterprise, business and institutional markets.

“To deliver on our vision we need to think and do things differently and we need to attract amazing people who bring diverse experiences and new ways of thinking to our industry. So, I am thrilled to announce that Gladys Berejiklian will join our talented and experienced executive team to help transform our approach to business customers,” Rosmarin said.

“Gladys is a proven leader who demonstrated her renowned strength, leadership, discipline, and composure in successfully guiding Australia’s largest state through one of the biggest challenges in its history while earning the support and gratitude of the community for her tireless contribution.  She also builds and fosters loyal and dedicated teams who really go above and beyond for her.”

“I believe she will be a game-changer for Optus. In bringing our business-focused teams together under this newly created role I truly believe that our collective energies can deliver superior customer outcomes in market segments that continue to be dominated by the incumbent.”

Berejiklian stepped down as Premier of NSW in October last year, at the time noting the timing of her resignation was inconvenient considering the state was in the midst of a deadly Delta wave of COVID-19.

She was eventually replaced by current premier Dominic Perrottet, and is still subject to an ongoing investigation by the state’s corruption commission.