Optus loses its networks boss

Optus’ managing director of networks Lambo Kanagaratnam has left the telco after nine years, with parent Singtel’s group CTO stepping into the role on an interim basis.

Kanagaratnam’s departure was announced internally to staff on Friday by interim CEO and CFO Michael Venter, saying “the time is right” for a change of network leadership.

Venter said that Kanagaratnam “cares deeply about our customers and his team.” 

“Under his leadership, our networks teams have materially improved our customers' overall network experience and have also become more customer centric in the way we measure network experience,” Venter wrote.

“Personally, I have the highest regard for Lambo as someone who consistently demonstrates the characteristics that we all know him for. 

“He is calm under pressure, approachable, cares deeply about our people and our business and is always professional.”

While a permanent replacement is sought, Venter said that Singtel’s group CTO Jorge Fernandes would “step in as the interim leader of the Optus Networks team”.

“Jorge will retain his group accountabilities and will be on the ground with the team in Australia from the middle of March to ensure a smooth transition,” Venter wrote.

Optus’ network has been in the spotlight since a large-scale outage on November 8 last year. 

In the aftermath of the incident, there was some tension between Optus and its parent over a misattribution of the root cause, and what role Singtel played.

Optus CEO during the time of the outage, Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, left the telco in late November.