Gladys Berejiklian joins Optus in new executive job

Former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian will move into the private sector with a newly-created executive role.

Former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian is joining Optus. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Gladys Berejiklian has officially made the move into the private sector, accepting a job at Optus.

The former NSW premier has been appointed as the Managing Director of Enterprise, Business and Institutional, the telecommunications company revealed on Friday.

In a statement through Optus, Ms Berejiklian said she was “looking forward” to beginning her new role on February 28.

“I am excited and proud to join an organisation that impacts the lives of millions of Australians every day and prides itself in providing outstanding service,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Corporate Gladys... Picture: Jonathan Ng

The new position for the former premier – who resigned amid an ICAC investigation on October 1 and formally wrapped up her duties in December – will involve “unlocking a greater share” of multimillion dollar markets for the telco giant.

Optus CEO Kelly Bayer said the company was “thrilled” to welcome Ms Berejiklian on-board.

“Gladys is a proven leader who demonstrated her renowned strength, leadership, discipline and composure in successfully guiding Australia‘s largest state through one of the biggest challenges in its history,” Ms Bayer said.

“She also builds and fosters loyal and dedicated teams who really go above and beyond for her … I believe she will be a game changer for Optus.”

The announcement comes on the eve of the Willoughby by-election, where Ms Berejiklian has thrown her support behind Liberal candidate Tim James for her old seat.

Ms Berejiklian earlier hinted a move to the private sector was on the cards.

“I‘m really looking forward to the next chapter. It won’t be in public life. It’ll be in the private sector and I’m really looking forward to what that brings,” she said in December.