Telecommunications industry body, the Communications Alliance, has announced the appointment of Deena Shiff as independent chairperson, commencing on July 1.
Shiff is a highly regarded chairperson and board director with a wealth of experience in the telecommunications sector, including previous roles as chairperson of the Australian Broadband Advisory Council, chairperson of the 2015 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, group managing director of Telstra Wholesale and Telstra Business, and founder of Telstra Ventures.
Shiff replaces outgoing chairperson, Michael Lee, who has served since 2010.
“Deena Shiff has a long professional history in Australia’s telecommunications sector, and Comms Alliance is fortunate to welcome her as our new chairperson,” said Comms Alliance CEO Luke Coleman.
“We also give our thanks to outgoing Chairperson Michael Lee, who has led the board for a remarkable 15 years. Thank you Michael, for your strong and stable presence as chairperson during a period of disruption for the Australian telecommunications sector,” he said.
Shiff’s previous experience also includes a number of other board roles, including as a director of Infrastructure Australia, deputy chairperson of the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation, and chairperson of Boldyn Networks (then called BAI Communications).
She is currently chairperson of Care Economy CRC, AROSE, and the International Advisory Board of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decisions and Society, as well as being an independent board member of GAVI, and a director of Opera Australia and Pro Medicus.
“I am delighted to be joining Communications Alliance as chair at a pivotal time for the organisation and for the telecommunications industry more broadly,” said Shiff.
“Communications Alliance has long played a central role in leading initiatives that grow the telecoms sector, enhance connectivity for all Australians, and foster the highest standards of business behaviour. I look forward to working with the board and management to continue this important work,” she added.
