Why Gladys likely won't be the new Optus CEO
Rumours are swirling that former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian could be taking the top job at Optus after former chief executive Kelly Bayer Rosmarin resigned on Monday.
According to NCA NewsWire, the former premier has flagged her interest in the role as Optus launched its global search for the chief's replacement.
Berejiklian was responsible for managing the company’s business customers in early 2022, but there's one massive roadblock that might stop her from becoming the next Optus CEO.
Any decision to promote Berejiklian could be seen as risky after she was found to have engaged in serious corrupt conduct with former Wagga Wagga MP and partner Daryl Maguire, by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Despite appealing the findings, it is highly unlikely that Berejiklian would get the job after the ICAC ruling.
Although the decision itself would ultimately fall with the Optus board, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said that she wanted someone who “understands that we need better regulation and work with the government, not against them”.
“I think Gladys will have to get some other things off her desk before she steps forward," she said.
“What I want to see is somebody who puts the public interest first, is honest and has integrity.”
Berejiklian has stayed silent on the matter, with Optus chief financial officer Michael Venter currently taking on the role of interim chief executive as the telecom company continues to lookout for a replacement.
Image: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images