New Chair and director appointed to NBN Co Board

The Morrison Government has appointed current NBN Co Board member Ms Kate McKenzie to the role of Chair, and Ms Nerida Caesar as Non-Executive Director to the Board for a term of three years, effective 1 January 2022.

Ms McKenzie joined the Board in 2019 as a Non-Executive Director and during her first term has also served as a member of NBN Co’s Audit and Risk Committee, Financing Committee, Nominations Committee, and People and Remuneration Committee.

Ms McKenzie brings a strong understanding of government and regulatory environments following more than 30 years of experience in government and senior executive leadership. Ms McKenzie’s extensive communications sector experience, including as former Chief Executive Officer of national telecommunications firm Chorus New Zealand, includes strong experience of oversight of a large operational telecommunications firm. This will be of particular value as NBN Co transitions to its operational phase.

Ms Caesar is a non-executive director of Westpac, a member of its technology committee, and legal, regulatory and compliance committee. Ms Caesar was formerly a senior executive at Telstra, Chief Executive Officer of Equifax, and held several executive and senior management positions with IBM.

These appointments will add to the strength of the diverse leadership making up the Board and will continue its focus on overseeing the transition of NBN Co to its operational phase following the completion of the network build.

The Government also wishes to thank Dr Ziggy Switkowski for his years of outstanding service as Chair of the Board. Dr Switkowski will continue in his role as Chair until January 1 2022 to ensure a smooth transition to Ms McKenzie. 

In his capacity as Chair, Dr Switkowski oversaw the completion of the initial build of the network and the beginning of NBN Co’s transition to a mature operating company. Dr Switkowski also oversaw NBN Co’s approach to private debt markets and the substantial reduction in the Commonwealth loan.

The Government congratulates Ms McKenzie and Ms Caesar on their appointments.