Optus appoints Allen Lew as new CEO to replace interim chief Paul O’Sullivan

OPTUS has brought in Singtel Singapore’s chief executive to run its Australian business. Allen Lew was head of Optus Mobile from 2001 to 2006.

SingTel's Digital Life CEO Allen Lew, who is visiting Australia to talk about business evolution in the digital landscape, during press conference in Sydney.

THE former head of Optus’s mobile and consumer businesses is returning to take the helm of the telco. Parent company Singtel has appointed Allen Lew as the new chief executive of Optus, replacing interim CEO Paul O’Sullivan.

Mr O’Sullivan, who had a previous stint as Optus chief executive before being promoted to head of Singtel’s consumer operations stepped back into the role at the end of March following the resignation of then CEO Kevin Russell.

In a statement, Singtel said Mr Lew will become chief executive on October 1, while Mr Sullivan will move to the part-time role of Optus chairman.

Mr Lew had most recently been working as the chief of Singtel’s Singapore operations.

Group CEO Chua Sock Koong said Mr Lew’s performance in the Singapore role had proved his suitability for his new job.

“He is a proven leader who has successfully transformed the group’s Singapore operations as well as built the digital business,” he said.

“Under Allen’s leadership, we will continue to strengthen Optus brand and long-term profitability.” Mr Lew worked at Optus from 2001 to 2006, serving as managing director of Optus Mobile and then managing director of Optus’s consumer business.

Originally published as Optus appoints Allen Lew as new CEO to replace interim chief Paul O’Sullivan