Resignation of Another Key Optus Executive Amid Network Turmoil
In a recent turn of events, Optus, one of Australia’s leading telecommunications companies, has witnessed the resignation of another top executive. Lambo Kanagaratnam, the managing director of networks, tendered his resignation following a series of network outages and security breaches. This development comes just four months after a major outage that disrupted internet and phone services nationwide. Lambo Kanagaratnam’s departure marks the second high-profile resignation from Optus, with former CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin stepping down last November.
During his nine-year tenure at Optus, Lambo Kanagaratnam played a crucial role in leading the company’s network operations. He joined Optus in 2015 with extensive international experience in the telecommunications industry. Under his leadership, Optus Network became Australia’s fastest 5G network and expanded its coverage to over 4,000 5G sites across the country. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Kanagaratnam successfully guided his teams through major natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and fires, as well as the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Optus faced significant challenges during Mr. Kanagaratnam’s tenure. The company experienced a cyber attack in 2022 that compromised the personal ID numbers of more than 2 million customers. Mr. Kanagaratnam, while speaking at a Senate inquiry after the attack, emphasized that telcos face millions of cyber attacks yearly and highlighted the ongoing threat issue that they have to deal with constantly.
Amidst these challenges, Optus also had to contend with public safety concerns. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently fined Optus $1.5 million for breaking public safety regulations. The telecommunications company failed to upload the details of 200,000 mobile customers to the Integrated Public Number Database between January 2021 and September 2023. This database is crucial for providing information to emergency services during triple zero calls and issuing emergency alerts during disasters like bushfires. Samantha Yorke, a member of ACMA, expressed alarm at Optus’s failure to fulfill its obligations and emphasized the need for robust oversight and assurance processes for third-party suppliers.
In light of Lambo Kanagaratnam’s resignation, Optus has appointed Jorge Fernandes, the Chief Technology Officer, to temporarily assume his role until a replacement is found. Mr. Fernandes brings extensive experience to the position, with a 25-year career in the telecommunications industry, including 15 years at Vodafone, where he held key roles such as Chief Technology Officer at Vodafone UK. His arrival at Optus on June 1, 2023, will ensure a smooth transition and continuity in network operations.
The resignation of Lambo Kanagaratnam and the subsequent fine imposed on Optus highlight the challenges faced by the telecommunications giant. Network outages and security breaches can have severe consequences, disrupting services for millions of Australians, businesses, and emergency services. The departure of top executives raises questions about the company’s ability to address these issues effectively. However, the appointment of Jorge Fernandes as a temporary replacement demonstrates Optus’s commitment to finding suitable leadership to navigate these challenges.
As Optus moves forward, it must prioritize network stability, cybersecurity, and public safety to regain the trust of its customers and stakeholders. The telecommunications industry is constantly evolving, and Optus must adapt to emerging technologies and threats to maintain its position as a leading provider in Australia. By addressing these challenges head-on and implementing robust measures to prevent network outages and security breaches, Optus can rebuild its reputation and ensure reliable services for its customers in the future.
