Optus announces new Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer as part of planned leadership transitions

• Michael Venter to retire as Chief Financial Officer and Optus Board Director
• Andy Giles Knopp appointed as Chief Financial Officer and joining Optus in April 2026
• Mark Potter, Chief Information Officer, has chosen to depart Optus in March 2026 and John McInerney named incoming Chief Information Officer starting in November 2025
• Pieter van der Merwe to commence as Chief Security and Risk Officer in December as previously announced in June
  

Optus today announced the planned retirement of Chief Financial Officer Michael Venter, who will also step down from his role as a Director on the Optus Board next year. 

Optus Board Chairman, John Arthur, said:

“On behalf of the Optus Board, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Michael Venter for his service as both interim CEO prior to Stephen Rue’s appointment, and most recently as an Optus Board Director. 

“Michael has brought deep financial expertise, strategic insight, and a steady hand during a period of significant change for the company. I wish him all the very best in his retirement.”

Andy Giles Knopp will be appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective April 2026. Andy joins from Aussie Broadband, where he has served as CFO since early 2024. 

He brings deep sector experience and a strong track record in leading high-performing teams through periods of accelerated transformation. He has been both CEO and CFO at forestry business, OneFortyOne, and prior to that had divisional CFO roles at Telstra.

Optus CEO, Stephen Rue, said:

“Michael has decided to retire from executive life to pursue a portfolio career, and I wish to thank him for his significant contribution to Optus over the past four years, including the time he spent as interim CEO before I joined the company. 

“We are delighted to welcome Andy Giles Knopp next year, whose leadership and financial experience will be instrumental as we continue to focus the company on our core business of connectivity, and accelerate our transformation plans with urgency and accuracy.”

Mark Potter, Chief Information Officer, has decided that having established strong technology foundations to support Optus’ multi-year transformation, next year is the right time for him to leave Optus.

John McInerney has been appointed as the incoming Chief Information Officer (CIO) and will join Optus in November 2025, ensuring a smooth transition with Mark. 

John was most recently CIO & Head of Transformation at One NZ and brings a wealth of experience from senior technology roles at Telstra, HP, and NBN Co. His expertise in digital transformation and operational resilience will be instrumental as Optus continues to simplify products, processes, data, and systems. 

Optus CEO, Stephen Rue, said:

“Following long-term and open discussions, Mark has decided that early next year is the right time to leave Optus after four productive years and having laid strong technology foundations for Optus’ transformation plans. I wish him all the best with his next chapter. 

“Incoming CIO John McInerney brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to lead complex transformation programs. I look forward to working with him as we work to evolve our IT capabilities to better serve our customers.”

Both Michael and Mark will remain with Optus until March 2026 to ensure a smooth transition during this period of substantial change.

As announced in June, the company will also welcome Pieter van der Merwe to Optus as Chief Security and Risk Officer in December 2025.

ENDS

Media contact: 
Optus Corporate Affairs 
02 9037 8179
media@optus.com.au