OPTUS APPOINTS MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR OPTUS BUSINESS

After a thorough internal and external search, Optus Chief Executive, Paul O'Sullivan, announced today the appointment of John Simon to the role of Managing Director, Optus Business.

Mr Simon has worked for Optus for four years and during that time has held key roles within Optus Business' Senior Leadership Team. John has been Acting Managing Director of Optus Business since Peter Kaliaropoulos' departure earlier this year.

Mr O'Sullivan said Mr Simon had made an outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Optus Business particularly to gain market share in what remained a very price competitive market.

"John and the Optus Business team have continued to win key corporate and government customers despite fierce competition. Some major wins have included NSW Health, Toll, Mayne and the Victorian Government's TPAMS project while also retaining existing business in major accounts such as ING, IBM, St George and Suncorp.

"He played a key role in transitioning our Business Mobile division into Optus Business following the Company's realignment into Customer Facing Units and was instrumental in our acquisition of Uecomm and our pending acquisition of Alphawest.

"These are just a few highlights from John's most recent achievements which played a part in him being the ideal candidate for the job," Mr O'Sullivan said.

Mr Simon said he was delighted with his appointment and looked forward to leading Optus Business on its journey.

"Optus Business is in the prime position to leverage disruptive technologies and the opportunities in this new era of telecommunications convergence making it much simpler for corporate customers to do business.

"We will have a greater focus on leveraging integrated products and solutions as well as enhancing our customer care capabilities.

"We pride ourselves on having a truly innovative approach to providing converged solutions and delivering a superior customer experience - we will not just compete on price," he said.

Media contact:
Luisa Ford
Optus Corporate Affairs
Phone: 02 9342 5045

John Simon
Managing Director, Optus Business

John Simon has more than 20 years experience in the information technology and telecommunications industries. He was appointed to the Managing Director role of Optus Business in September 2005.

Prior to this John was the Director of Optus Business' Integrated Business Solutions (IBS) division and the Director of Optus Business Sales.

Previously he was the Director for the Commercial & Emerging division of Optus Business giving him overall responsibility for the delivery of Optus' integrated communication products and services for the small to medium sized business sector.

Prior to joining Optus, John held the position of Chief Executive Officer, Australia & New Zealand for Worldxchange Communications and has also held a range of executive roles in Australia and Asia Pacific working for companies such as General Electric, Techway and Telstra Multimedia.

John has a strong track record in meeting business objectives for both start-up and existing business operations, often leading turnaround strategies across information technology and communications companies through his broad range of skills and experience involving sales, marketing, systems development, professional services and networks.