CEO of Australian telecom operator resigns after network outage debacle

by IANS |

Canberra, Nov 20 (IANS) Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, CEO of Optus which is the second-largest telecommunications operator in Australia, has tendered her resignation, days after a network outage plunged millions of users into turmoil, its parent company Singtel said on Monday.


"Having now had time for some personal reflection, I have come to the decision that my resignation is in the best interest of Optus moving forward," Xinhua news agency quoted Rosmarin as saying in a statement issued by the Singapore-based Singtel.


The hours-long outage on November 8 not only left people missing out on pivotal calls, messages, or social media notifications, but also yielded a crippling effect on businesses, public transport, and emergency services.


With a customer base of over 10 million people and 400,000 businesses nationwide, the Optus network handles about 51.3 million mobile calls and 51 million SMS messages on a typical day.


"On Friday, I had the opportunity to appear before the Senate to expand on the cause of the network outage and how Optus recovered and responded. I was also able to communicate Optus' commitment to restore trust and continue to serve customers," Rosmarin said.


Singtel Group CEO Yuen Kuan Moon said Optus appointed Kelly at the beginning of the pandemic and the company acknowledged "her leadership, commitment and hard work throughout what has been a challenging period".


"We recognise the need for Optus to regain customer trust and confidence as the team works through the impact and consequences of the recent outage and continues to improve," Yuen said.


"Optus' priority is about setting on a path of renewal for the benefit of the community and customers."


Optus on Monday appointed Chief Financial Officer Michael Venter to concurrently assume the role of interim CEO to focus on these priorities as it embarked on a global search for a new CEO, according to Singtel.

Latest News
India, Saudi Arabia take stock of West Asia situation, to ensure supply chain continuity Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 04:31 PM
Bangladesh name unchanged 15-member squad for first two ODIs vs NZ Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 04:29 PM
Political row erupts over Nripendra Misra's remarks on 1990s Ayodhya decisions Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 04:23 PM
Untrustworthy Pakistan milked US for billions, now betrays Saudi Arabia: Report Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 04:22 PM
India-Israel ties set to grow stronger with deeper social engagement: Report Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 04:21 PM
Rajnath Singh calls for agri modernisation, says Army procurement from local farmers a 'significant step' Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 04:19 PM
Lotus will bloom even in coal mines, Bengal has witnessed Mamata's ruthless image: Rekha Gupta Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 04:17 PM
Armed men blow up key gas pipeline in Balochistan, disrupting supply Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 04:01 PM
Class 12 girl student dies by suicide after scoring 78 pc in Karnataka Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 03:27 PM
Suspicious Rs 3.70 lakh seized from Assistant Engineer in Raj ACB surprise check Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 03:11 PM
CM Banerjee criticises BJP over its promise to implement UCC in West Bengal Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 03:02 PM
BrahMos deals deepen India's role in Indo-Pacific security Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 02:59 PM
India accounts for 49 pc of global real time digital payments as UPI turns 10 Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 02:59 PM
CM Mohan Yadav to release 35th instalment of Ladli Behna Yojana tomorrow Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 02:55 PM
BrahMos deals deepen India's role in Indo-Pacific security Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 02:53 PM