Telstra's channel director departs

Telstra director of business and enterprise partners Keith Masterton has left the telco after 26 years.

A Telstra spokesperson confirmed the departure: "We can confirm that Keith Masterton, director of business and enterprise partners, finished with Telstra at the end June after a 26-year career with the business. We wish Keith well for the future."

Masterton's role will be filled by Telstra general manager, ICT channel programs, business and enterprise solution partners Charlotte Schraa until a permanent replacement is found.

Masterton (pictured) told CRN that the recent executive restructure at Telstra triggered the opportunity to leave, and that he has enormously enjoyed his time at the telco.

"It's been a massive journey from a mobile telco ten years ago to a value-added applications and services channel today, and it's been a great journey.

"In that time, the channel has grown by roughly 20 times from the size it was when I started in 2006, so it's been great to see that growth and transformation," Masterton said.

[Related: Meet the channel manager - Telstra]

Masterton worked in various executive roles after joining Telstra in 1990 before he was appointed general manager of channel strategy and management in 2006. He was promoted to general manager of channel sales and development a year later, followed by his most recent director role in 2012.

During his ten years working with the channel, Masterton said he was most proud of the recent partner program redesign and the introduction of partner accreditation.

He will take some time away from the industry. When he returns, Masterton said he'd be looking for another role in the channel - and that renewable energy had piqued his interest.

"The [opportunity] is in renewable energy and smart technologies. There's big things ahead in that industry. The telco industry is more advanced, so there's an opportunity taking on new challenges. Adding value from a different perspective would be fantastic."

Masterton's departure follows a spate of recent executive exits from Telstra, including chief technology officer Vish Nandlall, director of security practice Craig Joyce and wholesale group executive Stuart Lee.