Optus announced today a number of key appointments to its Senior Leadership Team.

Mr Michael Smith has been promoted to Managing Director of the Optus Consumer business. Michael joined Optus in March 2000 and has worked in senior Consumer Marketing, Corporate and Small Business roles across the company. Since November 2008 Michael has led the Consumer business as Acting Managing Director while also managing the Optus Brand. Prior to joining Optus, Michael spent twelve years at the Commonwealth Bank in a range of senior roles in the retail and financial services divisions.

Mr Murray King has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As CFO Murray will manage Optus Finance functions, Legal and lead the Customer Experience Transformation. Murray joined Optus in 2003, was Deputy CFO for 18 months and has spent time as Commercial Director for the Mobile and Consumer businesses. Murray has previously been CFO at a number of companies including Virgin Mobile and Mincom.

As announced in August 2008, Ms Jeann Low was appointed to the role of SingTel Group Chief Financial Officer in addition to her responsibilities as CFO at Optus. After 3 years with Optus, Ms Low is now returning to Singapore to focus on her SingTel Group responsibilities.

Mr Vaughan Paul will take up the role of Director, Human Resources. Vaughan has acted in the role since August 2008 and delivered key people initiatives to support Optus' drive to be a high performing organisation. Vaughan joined Optus in November 2005 as General Manager Human Resources for Optus Business and previously held Senior Human Resources roles with Westpac and CSC Australia.

"The passion these new leaders have for Optus and our customers is clearly evident," Mr Paul O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of Optus said.

"Optus' success in being Australia's leading Challenger depends on creating the right culture and attracting the right people to work at Optus. Selecting our leaders is a very important decision – not least because of the key role they play in making Optus a great place to work.

"Following internal and external searches, these internal appointments demonstrate a commitment to the outstanding talent we have at Optus - I am proud to welcome them into the Optus Executive team." All changes are effective immediately.

Media contact:
Melissa Favero
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850