Steven Worrall joins Telstra InfraCo as CEO

Telstra has appointed Steven Worrall as its new CEO of its InfraCo unit, stepping into the role on 1 September. 

He will be replacing Brendon Riley who plans to retire on 30 September. 

Worrall has spent the past decade at Microsoft and in the last eight years served as the A/NZ managing director. 

“After 10 amazing years at Microsoft — including the last 8 leading our ANZ business — Steven Worrall has decided it’s time for his next chapter and will be leaving the company at the end of August,” Microsoft Asia president, Rodrigo Kede Lima said in a LinkedIn post.

“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Steven and can honestly say he’s one of the most values-driven, thoughtful leaders I know. Under his leadership, the Microsoft A/NZ business has grown significantly, but more importantly, it’s grown with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to people and community.

“Steven has made a lasting mark, from championing Indigenous inclusion and mental health, to helping shape the future of sustainability and skills in the region. His impact goes far beyond Microsoft. We’ll miss him, but we’re also incredibly grateful for all he’s built and the strong legacy he leaves behind.”

Telstra Group CEO, Vicki Brady said Steven was a highly regarded leader known for strong delivery in global tech, AI, and business and consumer segments and for his collaborative approach to working with public and private sector partners, stakeholders and internal teams. 

“Under Brendon, Telstra InfraCo was launched and is now a strong digital infrastructure business,” Brady said. “I’m looking forward to Steven building on this to further develop Telstra InfraCo’s leadership and credentials.

“Steven’s approach to partnerships, such as Microsoft’s $5B Australian investment in cloud computing and AI infrastructure, coupled with his experience leading and growing technology and software businesses are great fits for our ambitions for Telstra InfraCo.”

Prior to Microsoft, Worrall had a long career at IBM including senior roles leading its software services group in Asia Pacific and international growth markets as well as heading its global WebSphere software business.

Brady said Brendon had made significant contributions to Telstra over his 13 year tenure including leading the work to build Telstra InfraCo’s portfolio, capabilities and credentials as a leading investor and operator of Australia’s digital infrastructure. 

“We will miss his passion for the company, commitment to the development of its talent, his advocacy for customers and regional Australia, and the important role he has played as a senior leader,” she said. “We all wish Brendon the very best as he moves to the next stage of his career as a non-executive director and advisor.”

In March 2022, Telstra began taking steps towards finalising its legal restructure in creating its new holding company, which will be named Telstra Group featuring four main entities – InfraCo Fixed, Amplitel (InfraCo Towers), Telstra Ltd (ServeCo) and Telstra International.

The telco proposed its legal restructure in 2020 as a way to create ‘potential opportunities to monetise its infrastructure assets and deliver additional value to shareholders.’