Trujillo named as Telstra CEO

Telstra has appointed a US-trained executive, Solomon Trujillo, as its new CEO, replacing Ziggy Switkowski who steps down 1 July.

Trujillo, who takes on the role of CEO and executive director, will move to Australia from California to take up the position on 1 July.

Donald McGauchie, chairman at Telstra, said Trujillo's career had taken in the management of fixed line, wireless, broadband and directory businesses.

"He has enormous depth, expertise and understanding in matters regulatory, operational, financial, marketing and sales and a deep understanding of technology," McGauchie said.

"Trujillo has successfully led a number of major cultural and business change programs," McGauchie said. "We believe Telstra will similarly benefit from his pragmatic innovation, strategic and tactical thinking and outstanding implementation."

Trujillo has a Bachelor of Business and an MBA from the University of Wyoming. He has been CEO at UK-based telecommunications provider Orange. He has also been CEO at technology company Gravitron, and spent 26 years at US West.

Trujillo has been appointed on an ongoing contract, with a fixed remuneration package of $3 million per annum. In addition, would receive an annual short-term incentive of up to the value of $3 million and an annual long term incentive of up to the value of $4 million, linked to "significant performance milestones".

He also receives an initial sign-on payment of $1 million and 50 percent of his first year incentive on commencement, according to a statement from Telstra.