David Thodey has taken over as Telstra CEO, with former chief Sol Trujillo slipping out six weeks earlier than expected.
Trujillo had been contracted to stay on until June 30, but flew out of Australia last Thursday, news.com.ausaid.
Trujillo has left the company after three years and 10 months with an estimated A$31 million ($24.1 million) payout. He reportedly would pocket an extra A$3 million severance if he left before completing his period of notice, which concludes on June 30.
He will be remembered for his generous compensation and his combative approach to government relations, culminating in the incumbent\'s exclusion from the bidding for the next-gen broadband project.
During his tenure, Telstra\'s share price declined 40% and debt grew 40% to A$16 billion. Customer complaints also increased by 250%.
Nerida Caesar will replace Thodey in his former role as GMD of Telstra Enterprise and Government on June 9.