Telstra narrows down marketing role to two internal candidates
Bateman
Kingsmill
Telstra’s search for a replacement for head of marketing and media Mark Buckman, who announced last week he is quitting the telco, has been narrowed down to two internal candidates according to sources.
Mumbrella understands the key position of director of marketing is between director of segment marketing Andy Bateman and director of corporate marketing Inese Kingsmill. The search is thought to have begun as long as two months ago after Buckman signalled to the board his intention to leave.
Telstra officially announced last Friday that Buckman is quitting for personal reasons and will relocate to the UK.
While Bateman had always been regarded as the most likely replacement in the event of Buckman’s departure, Kingsmill is believed to have impressed senior executives in recent months. Sources said the race is “neck and neck”.
Bateman joined Telstra last November from research and strategy agency The Leading Edge where he was chief executive. There are suggestions he was recruited with succession planning in mind.
Kingsmill, meanwhile has been with the company since November 2010 after a 16-year career with Microsoft, and is also the chair of the Australian Association of National Advertisers.
Telstra confirmed last week it is splitting Buckman’s role in two, with a head of media being recruited in addition to the key marketing position.
Buckman was handed the extended role of overseeing both departments only five months ago.
Telstra has not responded at the time of publication.
Steve Jones
why is all of this leaking so profusely?
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