McInerney was at Telstra from 2003 to 2010, bracketing the Trujillo years (2005-2009). During that time he was in charge of Telstra’s massive system transformation program, an important component of which was an overhaul of the company’s antiquated billing and CRM systems. He was appointed CIO in 2008.
After he left Telstra he became head of infrastructure technology at HP’s regional headquarters in Singapore. He replaces Claire Rawlins, who was CIO since NBN Co was formed in 2009, and who left in August. He takes up the NBN role in early December.
McInerney steps into one of the highest profile CIO jobs in Australia, at a very critical time. NBN Co is in transition, with its installations gathering pace and many new customers coming on line every month. Just Last week it announced the construction of ten satellite ground stations – the infrastructure will soon be huge.
McInerney didn’t tread on any toes at Telstra, and despite his close identification with Trujillo and his notorious three amigos he stayed on long after the American’s departure, when many other senior managers left almost immediately. His appointment follows a three month executive search, but he would seem almost uniquely qualified for the job.
