NBN Co names Ellie Sweeney as its next CEO

NBN Co has appointed Vocus chief Ellie Sweeney as its new CEO, filling the role vacated by Stephen Rue in May.

Ellie Sweeney.

Due to start in December, Sweeney has spent the past six years with Vocus, serving largely as its chief operating officer and then as CEO from last year.

She also spent more than 14 years at Telstra, serving as both executive director of global enterprise services and sales.

"My vision for our future is rooted in the conviction that by expanding and enhancing our digital infrastructure and technology, we can drive meaningful change and ensure that all Australians can thrive,” Sweeney said in a statement.

Sweeney’s predecessor Stephen Rue announced his move to Optus in May, with CFO Philip Knox holding the reins while the company recruited for a replacement.

Then, in July, NBN Co saw its COO Kathrine Dyer exit the business after 13 years.

Sweeney will now be tasked with continuing NBN Co’s ongoing program of shifting customers to fibre connections courtesy of its fibre-to-the-node and fibre-to-the-curb overbuild programs.

Her arrival also comes as NBN Co fast-tracks industry discussions about multi-gigabit services, proposing three new 2Gbps products for home and business users in the fibre and HFC footprints.

In a statement, NBN Co said Sweeney’s appointment came at a “pivotal time” for the network operator.

"[Sweeney] brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the telecommunications landscape and will continue to deliver on our ambition to ensure that homes and businesses have access to world-class broadband - empowering people; delivering for customers, valued partners and stakeholders; and continuing to foster the strong culture of NBN,” the company’s chair Kate McKenzie said.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, meanwhile, added that Sweeney's "appointment comes at an important time for NBN Co, to maximise the benefits of the NBN for all Australians".