Telstra replaces retail boss

Telstra has announced Karsten Wildberger will take over its $18 billion retail portfolio from outoing retail group executive Gordon Ballantyne.

Wildberger will take over a portfolio covering consumer, business, media and marketing divisions in his new role as group executive for Telstra’s retail business.

He joined Telstra in 2013 as group managing director of Telstra Consumer, later becoming managing director for Telstra Products. Prior to Telstra, Wildberger was chief financial officer and an interim chief executive officer for Vodafone Romania.

Ballantyne announced on Wednesday he is leaving Telstra in December to pursue other opportunities after five years with the company.

Telstra estimated Ballatyne delivered more than $2 billion in “topline” revenue growth during his time in the role.

Wildberger's appointment was one of three senior executive appointments announced by Telstra today.

Group managing director of strategic finance Cynthia Whelan has been promoted to group executive of international and new business. The portfolio covers Telstra Health, Telstra Ventures, smart home solutions, new premium services and Telstra International.

Whelan joined Telstra in 2013 and was previously chief executive of banking firm Barclays Australia and New Zealand.

Telstra’s group managing director for media and marketing Joe Pollard has also been promoted to chief marketing officer and group executive of media.

The three new executives will report directly to Telstra chief executive Andrew Penn.