Vocus CEO Ellie Sweeney appointed to lead NBN Co in shake-up at the top for telcos

Sweeney, who was named CEO of Vocus in March last year after serving as chief operating officer since March 2019, has extensive experience in the telco sector including more than 11 years at Telstra in key global services and sales positions.

She is expected to take up the position in early December, replacing interim CEO Philip Knox who stepped into the role in May after Rue quit to take on the challenge of restoring Optus’s reputation following a nationwide outage last year.

NBN Co says Sweeney joins the government-owned broadband infrastructure provider at a critical time as it continues to “lift the digital capability of Australia through significant network investments that are driving social and economic benefits for the nation”.

At Vocus, Sweeney led the group’s $1.5 billion five-year investment program to improve its network capacity to due to increased demand for bandwidth along with increased security requirements and the adoption of new technologies among Australian businesses.

NBN Co chair Kate McKenzie says Sweeney brings “a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the telecommunications landscape” to NBN.

“(She) will continue to deliver on our ambition to ensure that homes and businesses have access to world-class broadband, empowering people, delivering for customers, valued partners and stakeholders, and continuing to foster the strong culture of NBN,” she says.

"The board considered Ellie's experience, including a proven track record of strategic leadership, driving innovation, a passion for digital inclusion and a commitment to making a meaningful impact on communities, together with a deep alignment with NBN's vision of connecting Australia and supporting the digital economy, to be especially well-suited to the challenge.

"NBN Co is committed to continuing its journey of growth and transformation, and our ambition of becoming a brilliant wholesaler, enabling Australia's digital future."

Despite a short stint as CEO of Vocus, Sweeney says she is looking forward to taking on the top job at NBN Co which posted a solid earnings performance in FY24, led by a 4 per cent increase in revenue to $5.5 billion. EBITDA of $3.93 billion was up 9 per cent and at the upper end of guidance.

“What drew me to NBN is the company's commitment to transforming lives through connectivity and I am excited to lead an organisation that is dedicated to ensuring that every Australian, no matter where they live, has access to fast, high-quality, reliable internet,” says Sweeney.

"NBN doesn't just build the infrastructure; the company is building the future of Australia. My passion for the NBN purpose stems from a belief that enhanced connectivity drives progress and prosperity. I look forward to leading the company's ongoing efforts to create a more connected and digitally capable Australia.”

McKenzie has thanked Knox for his leadership of NBN Co since Rue’s departure in May.

"Philip is providing steadfast guidance, and his dedication and commitment is exceptional,” she says.

Rue left the top job at NBN after 10 years with company, the last six as CEO, after being tapped on the shoulder by Optus which had been looking for a new CEO since the end of 2023.

The severity of the nation-wide Optus network outage in November last year left a void at top for the Singtel Group-owned telco after the resignation of then CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin who said at the time that her departure was in the “best interest of Optus”.

The formerly ASX-listed Vocus, which was acquired for $3.5 billion by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets Management and Aware Super in 2021, has yet to officially announce a replacement for Sweeney.