Telstra announces new Global Applications and Platforms business

Telstra has announced plans to take advantage of the considerable growth in software-driven business opportunities with the creation of a new Global Applications and Platforms line of business.

The new group, which will be part of the Innovation, Products and Marketing business unit led by Group Managing Director, Kate McKenzie will play a key role in Telstra’s strategy to build new growth businesses.

Ms McKenzie said the group would help set the company up for future success in what was a highly competitive segment with many new agile participants.

“Our industry is changing rapidly,” Ms McKenzie said. “The future is in the software layer and there is an application for absolutely everything.

“With successful over the top players growing exponentially, we need to continue to find ways to take challenger positions in this space.

“Telstra is moving from providing mobile and internet services to encompassing applications and integrated services. This new software defined world presents many opportunities, not least the ability to move faster.

“The new business will operate as a startup company drawing on the considerable assets of the broader organisation. Importantly, it will have global accountability, drawing from the best in the world and tailoring solutions for the local market and abroad.”

Ms McKenzie said the Global Applications and Platforms business would be built over the next three years and today’s announcement covered the first phase of development.

“It will include a mix of existing and new employees and I expect it to grow over time. The core of the group will include the current Applications Marketplace and Experience Design team led by Freddie Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen and the E2E Industry Verticals team led by Andy Solterbeck.

“The team will work alongside our Applications and Ventures group which will continue to focus on important ventures activities,” she said.

“We have appointed Charlotte Yarkoni Executive Director (ED) Applications and Platforms to lead the new group. Charlotte will officially commence her new role on 1 March 2013.”

Most recently Charlotte has held senior leadership roles at EMC and VMWare, leading developers and providers of information infrastructure technology and solutions. She has an extensive background in cloud based applications, and has also worked for AT&T in the U.S.

The new organisation will take effect from 1 February 2013.