Alcatel-Lucent loses NBN lead

Alcatel-Lucent's lead engagement officer for its dealings with the NBN Co, John Turner, has decided to leave after just six months in the role.

Replacing Turner will be Sean O'Halloran, the vendor's former vice president of its local enterprise operation. O'Halloran has been in the new role for at least a month, while Turner will stay with the company until the end of the year.

Turner, who has been with Alcatel-Lucent for the past 13 years, is leaving to pursue a private business venture.

Despite leaving the company as the industry gears up to bid for work on the government's $28 billion to $43 billion fibre roll out, Turner told ZDNet.com.au his decision to leave now was because "the timing was right". He said his new business venture would rely on the internet but would not disclose specifics. He said Alcatel-Lucent was "extremely well positioned" to play a role in the NBN.

Despite NBN Co chief Mike Quigley's former roles with Alcatel-Lucent, Turner said he had only approached Quigley through "official channels", such as via the government and industry group, the Communications Alliance.

The French networking giant recently hired Minister for Communications Stephen Conroy's media advisor, Tim Marshall, who is expected to take up a role within its ranks in January 2010.