Telstra retail boss Kevin Russell gone after 18 months

Telstra's retail boss Kevin Russell has left the telco after just 18 months and has been replaced by consumer group managing director Vicki Brady.

Russell joined Telstra in April 2016 as group executive for Telstra Retail. He previously worked for Optus as chief executive of the consumer business and country chief officer before departing in 2014. He was also chief executive of Hutchison Telecoms in Australia from 2001 to 2006 and chief executive of Three in the UK from 2007 to 2011.

Telstra chief executive Andy Penn thanked Russell for his service.

"We are grateful for the contributions which Kevin Russell made during his time with Telstra and wish him all the best for the future," Penn said.

Russell's replacement, Vicki Brady, joined Telstra in June 2016 from Optus, where she was managing director for marketing and product, as well as managing director for the consumer business before that.

In her new role, Brady will lead the newly formed Telstra Consumer and Small Business unit as group executive. She will be responsible for Telstra's consumer, small business, channels to market and product functions, as well as customer experience programs.

Telstra announced a company-wide restructure in June which saw the Telstra Retail business rebranded to Telstra Consumer and Small Business. The new business is divided into three core divisions: customer experience and transformation, Telstra products, and small business sales and service. Small business customers in the Telstra Business unit were transferred to Telstra Consumer and Small Business.

"Vicki brings a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge in the Australian telecommunications sector," Penn said. "Since joining Telstra, she has proven herself leading our contact centres, stores, digital channels, business centres, licensee and partner arrangements as well as demonstrating an unrelenting focus on customer experience."

"She has a strong track record of improving customer experiences, leading product simplification and delivering outstanding commercial results. She is highly regarded internally and externally and will make a strong addition to my leadership team."