Optus Chief Executive Joins Austrade Board

Trade Minister Mark Vaile today announced the appointment of outgoing Optus chief executive Chris Anderson to the Board of Austrade for a three-year term.

"Chris Anderson will be a valuable addition to the Austrade board, bringing extensive corporate experience and considerable expertise in the communications, media and information technology industries," Mr Vaile said. "His knowledge of the business environment in Australia and overseas will be invaluable to the Board."

Mr Anderson became chief executive of Optus in 1997 and has managed the company through significant milestones including listing on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1998 and the acquisition of Optus by Singapore Telecommunication (SingTel) in 2001. Earlier this month, Mr Anderson announced he will step down as Optus CEO on 31 August.

Prior to joining Optus, Mr Anderson was group chief executive of Television New Zealand and earlier managing editor of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The bulk of Mr Anderson’s career, between 1966 and 1991, was spent with John Fairfax Limited where he was appointed managing director and group editorial director of all group newspapers in 1987 and chief executive officer, John Fairfax Group, in 1990.

Mr Anderson has replaced Grame Barty, who has stepped down to concentrate on his own export business, HarvestRoad – a leading Australian IT company.

"I would like to acknowledge the contribution Grame has made in his time as an Austrade Board member, and wish him continued success with his future endeavours," Mr Vaile said.

Mr Vaile also announced the reappointment of Dr Paul Scully-Power for a second term of three years and Mrs Mary Boydell for a further one year.

Austrade is the Federal Government agency, represented in 109 locations in 57 countries, that helps Australian companies win overseas business by reducing the time, cost and risk involved in selecting, entering and developing international markets.

Media contact: Matthew Doman (Minister's Office) + 61 2 6277 7420 or Jemima Lohse (Austrade) +61 2 9390 2703