Telstra Group Limited (ASX: TLS), one of Australia’s largest and most influential telecommunications and technology companies, has announced a leadership transition for its digital infrastructure arm, Telstra InfraCo. Brendon Riley, the long-serving CEO of InfraCo, will step down on 30 September 2025, with Steven Worrall, currently the Managing Director of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, set to take over from 1 September 2025.
Mr. Brendon Riley, CEO of Telstra InfraCo
The move marks a significant strategic shift for Telstra as it deepens its focus on digital infrastructure, cloud computing, and AI-powered services.
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A Strategic Appointment at a Critical Time
Steven Worrall brings a wealth of experience from his current role at Microsoft, where he leads a team of over 3,000 people and supports more than 10,000 partners and software vendors. His leadership was instrumental in driving Microsoft’s $5 billion Australian investment in cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Prior to his time at Microsoft, Worrall had a 22-year career with IBM, including key executive roles across software services in the Asia-Pacific region and emerging markets.
Steven Worrall, Managing Director, Microsoft ANZ
Vicki Brady, Telstra Group CEO, said Worrall’s leadership experience and deep industry knowledge make him the ideal candidate to guide InfraCo through its next phase of growth.
“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,” Brady said.
The Legacy of Brendon Riley
Brendon Riley leaves behind a strong legacy, having led InfraCo from its inception. Under his leadership, Telstra InfraCo developed into a robust digital infrastructure business, responsible for managing Telstra’s extensive portfolio of passive network assets including fibre, ducts, data centres, and exchanges.
Brady praised Riley for his strategic vision and dedication over his 13-year career at Telstra, noting his work in advancing Telstra’s infrastructure capabilities and fostering a customer-centric culture.
“We will miss his passion for the company, commitment to talent development, his advocacy for customers and regional Australia, and the important role he played as a senior leader,” Brady added.
After stepping down, Riley is expected to pursue a portfolio career as a non-executive director and advisor.
The Road Ahead for Telstra InfraCo
The leadership change comes at a time when digital infrastructure is a critical component of Telstra’s strategy and Australia’s broader economic transformation. With demand surging for data, cloud, and AI services, InfraCo is positioned as a key enabler of Telstra’s future-ready network initiatives.
Steven Worrall’s experience with enterprise-grade software, infrastructure, and global partnerships aligns with Telstra’s vision of integrating cloud-native services and AI into its telecom infrastructure. As Australia undergoes rapid digital transformation, InfraCo is expected to play a central role in supporting public and private sector clients with secure, scalable connectivity and next-generation services.
About Telstra
Telstra Group Limited (ASX: TLS) is Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company, providing a wide range of services including mobile, broadband, fixed line, IoT, and enterprise solutions. The company has evolved into a digital services powerhouse with a focus on innovation, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure.
Through its subsidiaries like InfraCo, Telstra continues to invest in the digital backbone of Australia—enabling smart cities, cloud services, and the growing AI ecosystem.
Investor Snapshot
As of 12 May 2025, Telstra’s share price stood at A$4.595, reflecting steady growth across multiple timeframes—rising 0.33% in the past week, 3.26% over the month, and a robust 25.55% over the past year. This outpaces the ASX 200 index, which rose 19.06% in the same one-year period, highlighting Telstra’s market outperformance. The company boasts a market capitalisation of over A$52.5 billion, ranking 10th among more than 2,300 ASX-listed firms and first in its sector. This strong performance and high ranking underline investor confidence in Telstra’s leadership, digital strategy, and growth outlook amid Australia’s tech-driven transformation.
