EY Australia announces TMT leader appointment

EY Australia has revealed the appointment of a new technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) leader to support the firm in the evolving space of artificial intelligence, cyber, risk and sustainability.

The newly appointed Oceania TMT leader, Philena Franc, is set to move into the role after having held the role of EY technology strategy and transformation competency leader for the Asia-Pacific region for the past two years.

EY said Franc brought over 25 years of global technology and consulting experience within the TMT industry and would aid the firm in focusing on big-picture growth.

David Larocca, regional managing partner and CEO for Oceania at EY, said he welcomed Franc to the new role.

“In a world shaped by rapid advancements in technology, our clients are more empowered than ever to unlock greater value in a changing world,” he said.

“Philena’s experience and visionary approach make her well placed to lead change and with confidence, as our new TMT leader in Oceania.”

Larocca also noted Franc’s experience and global network including stints at Capgemini, Amdocs and AT&T, where she specialised in digital transformation, telecommunications business value, operations, technology and 5G innovation.

Franc has also had extensive international experience, having begun in the TMT industries with the AT&T family of companies in the US, as well as eight years leading business value realisation and strategy of major digital transformations and being head of the telecommunications sector at Capgemini.

Larocca said Franc’s leadership had been key in several large transformation programs, leading business integration and orchestrating governance across multi-vendor engagements.

Franc said she had also worked to accelerate the industrial uptake of advanced communications-powered digital transformation of operational technology in the APAC region, such as designing business value models for 5G and metaverse use cases for industries.

“I’m passionate about the power of technology and innovation to make the world better, one entrepreneurial dream at a time. Being at EY, and now as the TMT leader for the Oceania region, I can take that further,” she said.

“TMT is about more than business and networks – it’s an enabler of economic development, an elevator of quality of life, a geographical bridge to the digital economy and economically isolated communities, and a lifeline and safety net for people at risk.”

Empowering people and creating opportunities to unleash individual potential was the key to success, Franc added.

In addition to her new role as EY Oceania TMT leader, Franc is also the APC leader of the Future Network Now offering, the global EY organisation’s set of telecommunication-specific services and solutions.

“The focus is always on bringing clients the best of EY, building on a foundation of being a trusted service provider to the leading enterprises in the sector,” Franc said.

“TMT makes the world more accessible, more connected, more equal, more prosperous and less dangerous.”