| The Hon Lindsay Tanner MP Minister for Finance and Deregulation |
Senator The Hon Stephen Conroy Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy |
96/2009
23 December 2009
The Rudd Government today announced the appointment of two additional directors to the board of NBN Co Limited – the company established to deliver the National Broadband Network.
The new appointees, Mr Clem Doherty and Mr Terrence Francis will broaden the strong commercial and industry experience on the NBN Co board.
“NBN Co is playing an important role planning and deploying the National Broadband Network and I am confident we have in place a great board to direct that vital activity,” said the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
“I am very pleased to welcome the appointment of Mr Doherty and Mr Francis as NBN Co directors and am sure they will make a great contribution.”
The two new directors will join the Executive Chair, Mr Mike Quigley, and the five existing NBN Co board members.
The appointment of Mr Doherty and Mr Francis broadens the already strong set of skills possessed by the NBN Co board, which is necessary for a task of this nature.
Lindsay Tanner, Minister for Finance and Deregulation said: “I am delighted that the two directors have agreed to commence their roles immediately. They will join the existing board in setting the strategic direction for the company and its senior management.”
| Media Contact: | Website: |
|---|---|
| Minister Tanner's Office - Nardia Dazkiw - 0418 144 690 | www.financeminister.gov.au |
Senator Conroy’s Office - Tim Marshall - 0408 258 457 |
Mr Doherty brings substantial technology and telecommunications experience to the NBN Co board.
Mr Doherty retired as a Director of McKinsey & Company in 1996, where he led the Asia-Pacific Telecommunications, Electronics, Media & Multimedia Sector, was co-leader of the Global Telecommunications Sector, and a member of the Asia Pacific Board. In his 17 years at McKinsey he worked with leading telecommunications, media and multimedia companies in areas of strategy, tactics, innovation and transformation.
He was a member of the Australian Government’s Higher Education Review Committee and a member of the Knowledge Nation Taskforce.
Currently, Mr Doherty is Chairman of Like Minded Individuals Pty Ltd, an angel investment company with a focus on information technology and related businesses in Australia, the US and Asia.
Mr Doherty is a Director of Swimming Australia, the Centre for Policy Development, the Australian Innovation Research Centre and Network Insight Group. He is also a Member of the ABS Australian Statistical Advisory Council.
Mr Francis brings over 30 years’ experience in the Australian and international business sectors to the NBN Co board. His areas of expertise, including project and infrastructure development, business strategy and analysis, governance and corporate finance, will be instrumental in establishing the company’s forward agenda.
His previous executive appointments in the banking industry include roles as the Managing Director of Bank of America in Australia, Executive Director of Deutsche Bank Australia and Vice President of Continental Illinois National Bank.
Mr Francis has a depth of board experience, including previous roles as the Chair of the Southern and Eastern Integrated Transport Authority and RMIT International Pty Ltd. He was also a Commissioner of the Victorian State Services Authority.
He is a Director of the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority, ANZ Specialist Asset Management Limited and ANZ Business Equity Fund Limited, Boom Logistics, and the Northern Victorian Irrigation Modernisation Project, as well as being a member of the University Council at RMIT.
Mr Francis is also a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Institute of Engineers Australia and the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.
