‘Game changer’: Gladys Berejiklian’s surprise new job

Former New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has been appointed to Optus’s executive leadership team.

Taking on the role as managing director, enterprise, business and institutional, just four months after resigning from political life.

“I am excited and proud to join an organisation that impacts the lives of millions of Australians every day and prides itself in providing outstanding customer service,' Berejiklian said in an Optus statement.

• Also read: $400,000 a year: Gladys was just weeks away from massive pay day

• Also read: Why Gladys 'had no option': A timeline of Berejiklian's downfall

• Also read: Gladys Berejiklian RESIGNS as NSW Premier

Optus chief executive Kelly Bayer Rosmarin gave high praise to Berejiklian, who she said would help bring diverse experience and new ways of thinking to the company.

“Gladys is a proven leader who demonstrated her renowned strength, leadership, discipline, and composure in successfully guiding Australia’s largest state through one of the biggest challenges in its history while earning the support and gratitude of the community for her tireless contribution,” she said.

“She also builds and fosters loyal and dedicated teams who really go above and beyond for her.”

Rosmarin labelled Berejiklian a “game changer” for the business.

“In bringing our business-focused teams together under this newly created role, I truly believe that our collective energies can deliver superior customer outcomes in market segments that continue to be dominated by the incumbent,” she said.

It is not yet known how much Berejiklian is set to make in her new role, but it’s likely to be in the six figures, as most executive roles on that level are.

Berejiklian resigned from her position as NSW Premier in October last year, after the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) announced it was investigating whether Berejiklian faced a conflict of interest due to her close personal relationship with disgraced MP Daryl Maguire.

Had she remained the leader of NSW until 23 January she would have been eligible to receive some massive perks.

These include a salary of $400,000 a year, a car with a personal driver, an office and staff to go with it.

Despite missing out on that major pay day, Berejiklian is still eligible to receive $200,000 a year in super once she turns 55 in four years.

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