Vodafone Hutchison Australia forced to rejig senior management

Move clears the way for a new management structure, if its stalled $15bn merger with TPG Telecom goes ahead.

The merger, announced in 2018, was knocked back by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission last May. Picture: AFP

Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) has been forced to rejig its senior management as it sweats on the final verdict on its stalled $15bn merger with TPG Telecom, with two key executives leaving the telco.

Chief commercial officer Ben McIntosh and chief commercial officer Kevin Millroy have both resigned just days before the Federal Court hands down it judgment on whether VHA should be allowed to merge with TPG Telecom.

The departure of both executives clears the way for a new management structure to come into place, if the merger gets the green light.

Under the terms of the deal, current VHA boss Inaki Berroeta will lead the merged group, with TPG founder and CEO David Teoh filling the role of non-executive chairman. With the rest of the executive structure yet to be determined, a win in the Federal Court for the telcos is likely to see more changes to the workforce at VHA.

The merger, announced in 2018, was knocked back by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) last May, prompting the telcos to appeal the regulator’s decision at the Federal Court.

With the fate of the merger still unclear, VHA is filling the gaps in its team temporarily, with customer operations director Ana Bordeianu and general manager of engineering and planning Barry Kezik picking up the responsibilities of Mr McIntosh and Mr Millroy respectively.

Mr McIntosh said he was proud of the changes VHA had ushered into the market during his tenure.

“It’s been a pleasure to lead a team which has really shaken up the Australian telco market with $5 Roaming, no lock-in contracts and endless data plans.”

Chief commercial officer Ben McIntosh (pictured) and chief commercial officer Kevin Millroy have both resigned. Picture: Supplied.

“I wish Vodafone Australia all the very best as it continues to fight the good fight for Australian customers,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Millroy is leaving the telco having finalised the 5G equipment vendor deal with Nokia in January.

“I’m very proud of the incredible work the Network team has achieved over recent years and delighted that I can leave the team in Barry’s extremely capable hands,” he said.

Mr Berroeta said he was looking forward to 2020 with the telco ready to cut the Telstra and Optus early lead in 5G down to size.

“It’s going to be an exciting year for Vodafone and our customers with the launch of 5G and continuing to drive competition in the market at every opportunity,” he said.