Telstra appoints new CFO from AXA

Former AXA Asia-Pacific chief executive Andrew Penn has been appointed chief financial officer at Telstra.

Penn replaces outgoing Telstra CFO John Stanhope, who will leave the telco at the end of December after over four decades with the company.

Penn held finance, strategy and executive roles for 20 years at AXA Asia Pacific, and was chief executive for the last five years. Prior to his time at AXA, he worked in London with P&O Shipping.

He will join Telstra from 1 March, and said in a statement that he is excited by this "great opportunity in a dynamic industry". The new executive, who now lives in Melbourne, was born in the United Kingdom, having migrated to Australia in 1992.

Thodey welcomed Penn, while also thanking John Stanhope for his long-standing commitment to the company.

"I am delighted to welcome Andy to this critical position. Andy has extensive experience in Australia and overseas, a proven track record of success as a chief financial officer and a demonstrated ability to create shareholder value in complex businesses," chief executive officer David Thodey said in a statement.

Deputy CFO Mark Hall will serve as acting CFO during January and February.