Telstra retail boss resigns

Telstra retail group executive Karsten Wildberger has resigned for personal reasons.

He will return to his native Germany "towards the middle of next year" to take up an unspecified "executive role outside of the telecommunications industry", according to a Telstra announcement this morning,

"We will be disappointed to see him go but understand his personal reasons," said Telstra chief executive Andrew Penn. "Karsten [brought] great energy and passion to our business and has significant global experience."

Wildberger started at Telstra in January 2013 but had only started as head of retail in October, replacing Gordon Ballantyne. He was a former a partner at Boston Consulting, and chief financial officer and an interim chief executive officer for Vodafone Romania before coming to Australia.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Telstra and in Australia,” said Wildberger. “I was privileged to be selected by Andy Penn to lead the retail team. I am grateful to this incredible company, its people and its customers.”

Telstra’s retail group is an $18 billion business with its head reporting directly to Penn.

Wildberger oversaw the launch of the Sydney flagship ‘Discovery Store’ during his previous role as consumer group managing director. The Melbourne version opened earlier this week while he was the retail boss.