The telco Optus has appointed the former New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian, who is under investigation by the state’s corruption watchdog, to a senior executive role.
In a statement, the Singapore-owned company said Berejiklian had been appointed to the newly created role of managing director, enterprise, business and institutional.
Berejiklian resigned as premier in October after the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption announced it was investigating whether she broke the law by failing to report matters that she “suspected on reasonable grounds concerned or may concern corrupt conduct” by her ex-lover, the former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire.
She has consistently denied acting improperly during her relationship with Maguire, saying when she resigned: “I state categorically that I have always acted with the highest level of integrity.”
Berejiklian said on Friday she was “excited and proud to join an organisation that impacts the lives of millions of Australians every day and prides itself in providing outstanding customer service”.
“I look forward to working with Kelly [Bayer Rosmarin, the Optus chief executive] and the executive team of Optus who are providing inspiring and innovative leadership in the telco sector.”
In a statement, Optus said the former premier’s job at the company was to “lift its focus on unlocking a greater share of the multi-billion-dollar enterprise, business, and institutional markets”.
Bayer Rosmarin said Berejiklian would be a “game-changer” for the company.
“Gladys is a proven leader who demonstrated her renowned strength, leadership, discipline, and composure in successfully guiding Australia’s largest state through one of the biggest challenges in its history while earning the support and gratitude of the community for her tireless contribution,” she said.
“She also builds and fosters loyal and dedicated teams who really go above and beyond for her.”
The company, which is owned by the Singaporean conglomerate Singtel, has been approached for comment.
Berejiklian denied any wrongdoing or having any reason to suspect Maguire during public hearings which concluded late last year. The commission is yet to hand down its findings.
