Former New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian is among the contenders to replace outgoing Optus CEO, Kelly Bayer Rosmarin.
Ms Bayer Rosmarin announced her resignation on Monday, following two major crises for the business in just 13 months – including last year’s data breach and just recently, the nation-wide outage.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The New South Wales Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
Newscorp is reporting Ms Berejiklian has expressed her interest in the role, having assumed the responsibility of managing Optus’ business customers in early 2022.
The former premier could be considered a risky option however, after an ICAC inquiry found she engaged in serious corrupt conduct involving her former partner, then Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire.
Speaking to ABC News Breakfast, Greens communications spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said it would be a decision from Optus’ board on who would be appointed the new CEO.
“I know Gladys has got some other things she needs to clear off her plate yet, doesn’t she” she said.
“I think the main thing here is to ensure whoever takes over is actually someone who is trustworthy, has integrity, and is able to work with government because we need to overhaul these regulations.”
Others potentially being considered for the top job include Optus’s chief financial officer, Michael Venter, Optus’ chief operator officer, Peter Kaliaropolous, and outgoing chief executive of Salesforces’ Australian and ASEAN operations, Pip Marlow.
Another consideration is Allan Lew, the former boss of Optus from 2014 to 2019.
Mr Lew has also held several senior jobs for the Optus’ parent company, Singtel including chief executive Group Digital Life, chief executive Singapore and chief operating officer Advanced Info Service, Singtel’s regional mobile division.
Since leaving Optus, Mr Lew has overseen Singtel’s Thailand operations.