Telco conglomerate Vodafone Group has named former Telstra CEO David Thodey as a non-executive director.
Thodey is expected to take up the role from September 1, assuming his appointment gains the approval of shareholders at Vodafone’s annual general meeting on July 23.
In addition to the new role at Vodafone global HQ, Thodey is also chairman of the CSIRO and was tasked by Turnbull government to undertake a once in a generation review of the Australian Public Service where he is being assisted by ANZ's digital bank chief Maile Carnegie.
Thodey also holds non-executive director positions at Ramsay Health Care and Tyro, and is
However, he is perhaps best known for his 12 years at Telstra - six spent as CEO, and for his 22 years at IBM prior to that, including as CEO of IBM A/NZ.
His appointment as chief of the telco, to replace combative import Sol Trujillo, came after Thodey managed to secure a 10-year billion dollar deal with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, a deal the bank recently rolled over.
Thodey's strategic experience and advice will come at an opportune time for Voda, with the telco taking up the fight to regulators intent on stopping a merger with TPG.
On behalf of the board, I would like to warmly welcome David,” Vodafone Group chairman Gerard Kleisterlee said in a statement late Friday.
“He has extensive experience and a track record of strong operational performance in both the telecommunications and technology sectors.
“We look forward to the additional value he will bring to board discussions."
Thodey holds 42,000 ordinary shares in Vodafone, the telco said.
