Microsoft ANZ MD Steven Worrall to head Telstra InfraCo

Steven Worrall, Microsoft’s current managing director for Australia and New Zealand, will take over as CEO of Telstra's backbone network arm, Telstra InfraCo, on September 1 this year.

He will step into the role vacated by Telstra InfraCo CEO Brendon Riley, who will leave the role on September 30. He will move to “the next stage of his career as a non-executive director and advisor”, according to Telstra’s announcement.

Riley has been in the position since September of 2018, and before that held a number of executive roles across Telstra in enterprise and operations domains.

Worrall will remain with Microsoft until the end of August 2025 and will work with the company on the transition to a new leader, Microsoft told techpartner.news.

Worrall joined Microsoft in 2014 following a long career at IBM including senior roles leading its software services group in the Asia Pacific region and other international markets, and headed its global WebSphere software business.

Microsoft's president for Asia, Rodrigo Kede Lima, said on LinkedIn that Worrall was "one of the most values-driven, thoughtful leaders" he knows.

"Under his leadership, the Microsoft ANZ business has grown significantly, but more importantly, it's grown with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to people and community," he said.

Telstra Group CEO Vicki Brady said under Riley, Telstra InfraCo was launched and is now a "strong" digital infrastructure business.

"I’m looking forward to Steven building on this to further develop Telstra InfraCo's leadership and credentials,” she said.

“Steven’s approach to partnerships, such as Microsoft’s $5B Australian investment in cloud computing and AI infrastructure, coupled with his experience leading and growing technology and software businesses are great fits for our ambitions for Telstra InfraCo.”

Brady said Riley had made significant contributions to Telstra over his 13-year tenure including leading the work to build Telstra InfraCo’s portfolio, capabilities and credentials as an investor and operator of Australia’s digital infrastructure.

“We will miss his passion for the company, commitment to the development of its talent, his advocacy for customers and regional Australia, and the important role he has played as a senior leader," Brady said.

Earlier this year, Telstra InfraCo opened up its Intercity Fibre Network, which is under construction currently for pre-orders.