Marketing guru Kevin Roberts has been appointed to the board of Telecom, the company announced today.
Mr Roberts, who is global head of advertising agency Saatchi and Saatchi, replaces director Patsy Reddy who is retiring at this year's annual meeting after 10 years of service.
Telecom chairman Wayne Boyd said the company was pleased to be able to get Mr Roberts on board.
"Kevin Roberts is one of the world's most innovative and influential thinkers about corporate branding, marketing and customer satisfaction," he said.
Mr Roberts, who had also been chief operating officer at brewing company Lion Nathan, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Waikato in 1998 for his contribution to business management.
Mr Roberts said he was looking forward to coming on board.
"Telecom is one of New Zealand's most important companies, and its transformation story is a compelling one.
"It will be a privilege to contribute to the company's governance," he said.
Mr Boyd paid tribute to Ms Reddy for her ten years of service to Telecom during a time of significant change.