Telecom has announced that non-executive director Kevin Roberts has retired from the Board of Directors after serving for nearly six years, with Ido Leffler appointed as an independent non-executive director to replace him.

Roberts, the CEO Worldwide of Saatchi and Saatchi, has been a member of the Telecom Board since August 2008.

“On behalf of my fellow directors I’d like to thank Kevin for his contribution to Telecom," says Mark Verbiest, Chairman, Telecom.

"Kevin has helped guide Telecom through one of its most transformative phases.

"This includes the demerger of Chorus and more latterly a bold repositioning strategy that is culminating in the change of name to Spark."

According to Roberts, Telecom is now a retail service provider, competing in the real world of freedom of choice.

"And having brilliant brands that connect with the hearts of customers is first and foremost," he adds.

"I look forward to seeing Spark, over time, become one of New Zealand’s most loved brands.”

Verbiest, says the Board undertook an extensive domestic and international recruitment process for a replacement and was delighted to be able to announce the appointment of Leffler.

“Ido’s appointment will help Telecom’s development of exciting new digital services as we transform to Spark and tackle the challenges and opportunities of the digital era," he adds.

"His experience positively complements the mix of skills and experience of the existing board members.”

Leffler says he is excited about joining the Board, “Telecom is one of the most iconic brands in New Zealand. The chance to work with a phenomenal team to reinvent and relaunch the brand is an incredible opportunity.

"I'm impressed with the team's level of dedication to developing a company with a mission to truly make a difference in the community.

"After hearing the vision of the leadership and board members, combined with the technology, media, and social good platforms within Telecom, I realized this was an opportunity I had to accept.”

In accordance with the Company’s constitution, Leffler will retire and offer himself for election at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on 7 November 2014.