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Optus will replace both its chief financial officer and chief information officer in the coming months, the telecommunications company announced Wednesday, as longtime CFO Michael Venter prepares to retire and CIO Mark Potter exits after establishing the groundwork for a major technology overhaul.
Andy Giles Knopp, currently CFO at Aussie Broadband, will take over as Optus’ chief financial officer in April 2026. John McInerney, most recently CIO and Head of Transformation at One NZ, joins as the new chief information officer in November, the company said.
The dual leadership transition comes as Optus pushes forward with what CEO Stephen Rue called “accelerated transformation plans” focused on simplifying the company’s core connectivity business. Both departing executives will remain through March 2026 to ensure smooth handovers during what the company described as a period of substantial change.
“Michael has decided to retire from executive life to pursue a portfolio career, and I wish to thank him for his significant contribution to Optus over the past four years, including the time he spent as interim CEO before I joined the company,” Rue said.
Venter will also step down from his position as a director on the Optus Board. He served as interim CEO before Rue’s appointment and has been with the company for four years.
“Michael has brought deep financial expertise, strategic insight, and a steady hand during a period of significant change for the company,” Optus Board Chairman John Arthur said. “I wish him all the very best in his retirement.”
Giles Knopp brings telecommunications sector experience to his new role. He has served as CFO at Aussie Broadband since early 2024 and previously held both CEO and CFO positions at forestry business OneFortyOne. Before that, he worked in divisional CFO roles at Telstra.
“We are delighted to welcome Andy Giles Knopp next year, whose leadership and financial experience will be instrumental as we continue to focus the company on our core business of connectivity, and accelerate our transformation plans with urgency and accuracy,” Rue said.
Potter decided to leave after four years with Optus, citing the completion of foundational technology work supporting the company’s multi-year transformation.
“Following long-term and open discussions, Mark has decided that early next year is the right time to leave Optus after four productive years and having laid strong technology foundations for Optus’ transformation plans,” Rue said. “I wish him all the best with his next chapter.”
McInerney’s appointment comes with a resume spanning multiple major telecommunications and technology firms. His background includes senior technology roles at Telstra, HP and NBN Co, in addition to his most recent position at One NZ.
“Incoming CIO John McInerney brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to lead complex transformation programs,” Rue said. “I look forward to working with him as we work to evolve our IT capabilities to better serve our customers.”
The new CIO will focus on simplifying products, processes, data and systems as Optus continues its operational overhaul. His expertise in digital transformation and operational resilience will guide the company’s technology strategy going forward, according to the announcement.
The leadership changes add to another previously announced executive appointment. Pieter van der Merwe will join Optus as Chief Security and Risk Officer in December 2025, a move the company first disclosed in June.
The timing of the transitions reflects careful succession planning, with overlapping periods designed to transfer institutional knowledge. McInerney arrives in November, giving him four months to work alongside Potter before the current CIO’s March departure. Giles Knopp joins in April, one month after Venter’s exit.
Optus, a subsidiary of Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel), operates as one of Australia’s largest telecommunications providers. The company has been navigating significant operational changes as it streamlines its business model and technology infrastructure.
The appointments signal the company’s focus on bringing in leaders with direct telecommunications experience and proven track records in digital transformation. Both incoming executives have worked at competing or adjacent firms in the Australian market, bringing insights from across the sector.
Giles Knopp’s time at Aussie Broadband, a challenger brand that has grown rapidly in Australia’s telecommunications market, positions him to understand competitive dynamics from multiple angles. His earlier work at Telstra, one of Optus’ primary competitors, adds another layer of market knowledge.
McInerney’s recent experience at One NZ, New Zealand’s third-largest mobile network operator, gives him perspective on running technology operations for a major carrier in a market similar to Australia’s. His previous roles at Telstra and NBN Co mean he already understands the Australian telecommunications landscape.
The company emphasized that both Venter and Potter are leaving on planned timelines after extended discussions with leadership. Neither departure was characterized as unexpected or reactive.
Venter’s tenure included a critical period when he served as interim CEO, providing continuity during the leadership search that ultimately brought Rue to the company. His work as both an executive and board member gave him dual perspective on the company’s strategic direction and operational execution.
Potter’s four years focused on building what the company called “strong technology foundations” to support transformation initiatives. His work set the stage for the next phase of technology evolution under McInerney’s leadership.
The transformation efforts Optus references include simplifying its product portfolio, streamlining internal processes, modernizing data systems and updating technology infrastructure. These initiatives aim to improve customer service and operational efficiency across the business.
The company did not disclose compensation details for the incoming executives or specific terms of the departures for Venter and Potter.
Optus operates mobile, internet, and fixed-line telecommunications services across Australia. The company competes primarily with Telstra and TPG Telecom in the Australian market, serving millions of customers across consumer and business segments.
The leadership transitions come at a time when Australian telecommunications companies face pressure to improve network reliability, enhance customer service and manage costs while investing in infrastructure upgrades. The sector has seen increased scrutiny around service quality and data security in recent years.
Van der Merwe’s appointment as Chief Security and Risk Officer, set for December, underscores the company’s continued focus on security infrastructure. The role was announced months ago, but his arrival will coincide with the broader leadership transition period.
The company’s media release included contact information for Optus Corporate Affairs but did not provide additional details about succession planning beyond the announced appointments or information about interim arrangements if needed during transition periods.
Both Venter and Potter will work through March 2026, giving them five months from the October announcement to complete their responsibilities and support knowledge transfer to their successors.
The appointments reflect broader trends in Australian telecommunications, where companies increasingly prioritize leaders with direct sector experience and demonstrated ability to manage complex technology transformations in competitive markets.
Optus did not announce changes to other executive positions or indicate additional leadership transitions beyond those disclosed Wednesday. The company’s current executive team, aside from the announced changes, remains in place as the organization moves forward with its strategic priorities.
The telecommunications provider operates under the Singtel corporate structure, which includes operations across multiple Asian and Australian markets. Singtel did not release a separate statement about the Optus leadership changes.
Media inquiries about the transitions are being directed to Optus Corporate Affairs at the company’s Sydney offices.
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