NBN Co has named former Telstra architecture director Rob Sewell as its new permanent chief information officer. (CIO)

Sewell will begin his new role in February, taking over from interim CIO Crispin Blackall, who stepped in when former CIO Debbie Taylor departed in July.

He spent the past decade in Asia, and is currently the chief technology strategy officer at Malaysian telco Maxis where he was always exploring new technologies to meet the rapidly changing demands of consumers and enterprises.

CEO Stephen Rue applauded Sewell’s “considerable expertise in systems architecture, engineering and process, and its application in complex and competitive markets.”

“Rob will play a vital role as we work to simplify our IT systems and processes to drive improvements in network service delivery, industry efficiency and enhanced partner and customer experience,” said Rue

NBN Co and Ericsson recently signed a fresh 10-year partnership to secure the supply of next-generation 5G technology across the nbn fixed wireless access network resulting in new capabilities for up to 120,000 homes and businesses in nbn’s satellite footprint