Telstra appoints new president and managing group director

Timothy Chen is the first Chinese person to hold a CEO leadership at Telstra.

Telstra today announced Timothy Y. (Tim) Chen as President and Group Managing Director of Telstra International Group to significantly build Asian and trans-continental business for the company.

Mr Chen, 56, an internationally recognised technology executive with major global firms in China and the United States, starts today reporting to CEO David Thodey.

Born and raised in Taiwan, Mr Chen is the first Chinese person to hold a CEO Leadership Team position at Telstra. He will hold offices in Hong Kong and Beijing.

He replaces Tarek Robbiati, who last month announced he would leave Telstra to take a CEO role in the Australian financial services industry.

Mr Chen joined Telstra as a member of the Board of Directors in March 2012, having been identified for his technology, strategic and business experience working with private and public sector organisations.

“Tim’s appointment increases the focus and urgency in growing our presence in Asia and realising the significant revenue opportunities in the region,” Mr Thodey said.

“We are delighted that Tim is returning to Telstra. He was a strong contributor to the Board during his short time as a Director and we know he will identify new opportunities for Telstra in China and across Asia.

“We know that having deep insights into the Asian environment across our leadership team is a strategic advantage as we look to strategically grow our regional interests, particularly in Network Applications and Services and expanding with our pan-Asian customers.”

Mr Chen said the opportunity to lead Telstra International Group was an ideal next step after the Telstra Board.

“I have been impressed with the Telstra direction and leadership group and will seek to expand awareness and engagement with the Asian region on their behalf,” he said.

“We see benefits to pursue on behalf of Telstra shareholders while being prudent in the way in which we expand in any key or emerging Asian market,” Mr Chen said.

Mr Chen was previously Beijing-based partner with international private equity firm GL Capital Group. He held senior executive roles for international firms including Microsoft, Motorola and AT&T Bell Laboratories. He was CEO for National Basketball Association China from 2007 to 2010, including management of all television and digital media partnerships; Corporate Vice President of Microsoft and regional CEO from 2003 to 2007; Corporate Vice President for Motorola and Chairman and President of Motorola (China) Electronics from 2001 to 2003 and CEO of Hong Kong listed company 21CN Cybernet from 2000 to 2001.

Prior to 2000, Mr Chen spent eight years in China with Motorola, including serving as general manager responsible for sales and marketing for the Greater China Cellular Infrastructure Division. Mr Chen also spent nine years at AT&T Bell Laboratories in the United States.

He holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Chicago and Masters degrees in both Computer Science and Mathematics from Ohio State University.