Resignation of Telstra Retail Group Executive

Telstra Retail Group Executive Dr Karsten Wildberger has resigned for personal reasons and plans to return to Germany towards the middle of next year.

Dr Wildberger was appointed to the role in October, having joined Telstra in January 2013 as GMD Consumer and also assuming accountability as GMD Products from May 2015.

Telstra CEO Andrew Penn today said he was sorry that Dr Wildberger would be leaving Telstra, as he was a very capable telecommunications executive who had contributed to Telstra’s progress.

“Karsten is a great executive. We will be disappointed to see him go but understand his personal reasons. Karsten brings great energy and passion to our business and has significant global experience,” Mr Penn said.

The Telstra Retail business includes consumer and business divisions, product and digital business units with broader enterprise-wide responsibilities and a strong focus on customer advocacy. The portfolio represents a significant portion of the company’s revenue and profit.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Telstra and in Australia and am excited by the company’s prospects. I was privileged to be selected by Andy Penn to lead the retail team. I am grateful to this incredible company, its people and its customers for three years of achievement and inspiration,” Dr Wildberger said.

Dr Wildberger is a former partner and managing director with The Boston Consulting Group advising on telecommunications, technology, industrial goods and utilities globally. He held Executive Vice President roles in Finance, Sales and Marketing for Deutsche Telekom in the UK and Germany and senior leadership positions with Vodafone including Chief Financial Officer and interim CEO in Romania. He is a Director of the Telstra Foundation and Telstra Ventures.

After his return to Germany, Dr Wildberger will take an executive role outside of the telecommunications industry. Telstra will announce succession arrangements for Telstra Retail in the near future.