Telstra shake-up aims to drive growth in key markets

SYDNEY - Telstra chief executive David Thodey yesterday announced several organisational changes that he says will help the telco grow in key markets and provide better customer service.

Telstra is creating two new product units headed by Justin Milne and Philip Jones to drive its fixed and mobile markets strategy.

And a new international unit, headed by Tarek Robbiati, will take responsibility for CSL, Reach, Telstra's businesses in China, as well as international sales and business development.

The company will also consolidate its network, technology and IT functions under acting chief operations officer Michael Rocca.

"I am taking another step to organise Telstra around our core strategy - to compete in the fastest-growing markets in Australia and overseas, lead the industry by investing in new products and services, and deliver a better experience for our valued customers," Thodey said.

Telstra has also appointed Robert Nason to lead a new unit responsible for improving customer service.

The changes mean Telstra will have four main functional groups - customer-facing units, product-based business units, a newly consolidated operations unit, and corporate support units - as well as the new international division, Sensis, and Telstra wholesale.

Thodey said Telstra's product portfolio would be divided into two specialist groups. The fixed line, fixed broadband, BigPond and media operations will be headed by Milne while Jones will oversee wireless, data, applications and Services.

"These new groups will help us focus on opportunities in markets that are most important for Telstra's future, like the 'digital home'," Thodey said. "This structure will allow us to continue to innovate and provide leading-edge products and services that meet our customers' needs."

Holly Kramer, group managing director of product management, is leaving the company.

- AAP