Former Telstra executive Ellie Sweeney lands top job at Vocus

Ellie Sweeney is laser focused on the telco’s big fibre projects, which will ‘create a special opportunity’ in mining, oil and gas as well as defence.

Ellie Sweeney has landed one of the top jobs in Australian telecommunications, on Wednesday appointed the new chief executive of the nation’s fourth-largest telco, Vocus.

Ms Sweeney, who was a senior executive at Telstra before serving as chief operating officer at Vocus, takes over the role from industry veteran Kevin Russell who is retiring after more than three decades in the global telecommunications sector, and who led the company’s gargantuan turnaround project.

Vocus was acquired by a consortium of Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets and superannuation fund Aware Super for $3.5bn in 2021, and is now embarking on $1bn, five-year investment program in what represents the company’s largest fibre build-out in its history.

“It’s a hugely exciting day … It’s a real honour to have been appointed as the CEO, and I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about this opportunity and to lead the next phase of our growth ambition,” Ms Sweeney said in an interview.

“I’ve been part of the turnaround of our business and the strategy leading to this $1bn worth of investment that we’re making. From my perspective this is an honour, it’s a great team here at Vocus who have great assets and great people, along with great ambitions. It’s hugely exciting.”

The executive will take on the top job from March 1 and said key priorities will include the company’s major fibre projects including Project Horizon, a 2000km fibre connection from Perth to Port Hedland designed to connect Australia’s resources region, along with Project Highclere, a 1000km submarine cable connecting Vocus’ Australia-Singapore Cable to the North West Cable System.

“Those things for us really create a special opportunity for us in that mining, oil and gas space, in defence, and opening up Darwin,” she said. “At a Macquarie conference I was asked about what technology I’m excited about, and I said low Earth orbit satellites and where that will take us. We’re investing in our relationship with SpaceX and reselling Starlink.

“The nice thing for me about taking this role at this time is that a lot of these programs have been multi-year and I’ve been heavily involved in them, and I think it’s a great opportunity to really see that continuity in the execution.”

She said potential challenges in the role would be echoed by many across the business landscape, including global supply issues, inflation, and the ongoing war for talent.

Founded by entrepreneur James Spenceley in 2008, Vocus operates Australia’s second-largest intercapital fibre network and became the nation’s fourth-largest telco following a merger with M2 Group in 2016.

Aside from its significant fibre footprint, Vocus operates a number of consumer brands including Dodo, iPrimus and Commander, and Ms Sweeney reiterated Vocus’ recent statements that it would not sell off its retail arm until at least 2024.

New Vocus boss Ellie Sweeney at the telecom group’s office in North Sydney. Picture: John Feder/The Australian

“We’re going to double down on investing in its growth, building out its digital platform, and really putting us into a position where we can separate the business and then evaluate in 2024 and beyond on whether it makes sense to sell that business,” she said.

Ms Sweeney now joins the likes of Vicki Brady and Kelly Bayer Rosmarin in being a female in charge of a large Australian telco.

“I haven’t really thought about it, it’s an interesting observation. But I’ll be really excited when we don’t even have to comment on it,” she said. “I’ve been lucky enough to cross paths with so many women who were amazing and formidable role models, and I’m lucky to have had that exposure.”

She also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Kevin Russell, who has led Vocus for the past five years, including a drastic three-year turnaround project and eventual blockbuster sale.

Outgoing Vocus boss Kevin Russell. Picture: Hollie Adams/The Australian

“I always think the best thing you can say about someone in their life or their career is that they leave a legacy that they’ve made an impact. And I think in every role that Kevin has done, he’s had that,” she said. “We’ll be out doing a final farewell tour across the country to make sure all that team had that opportunity to thank him as well.”

Mr Russell said he was thrilled by the decision to appoint Ms Sweeney.

“I’m delighted to hand over the reins to Ellie, who played a pivotal role in re-establishing Vocus as a strong growth business,” he said.

“I’d like to thank all of our people who care passionately about our company – I’m humbled by the unwavering support you provided me through all of the ups and downs of the turnaround. I’m energised by the opportunities that lie ahead for Vocus to deliver on its true potential.”