NextDC sitting Pretty with new chairman

Data centre service provider NextDC has appointed Ted Pretty as its new chairman, replacing Roger Clarke, who quit the role in July.

Pretty is group MD and CEO of ASX-listed Hills Holdings Limited. He was group managing director at Telstra between 1997 and 2005, and has sat on many boards at organisations such as ANSTO Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, RP Data and Visy Industries Australia.

He was chairman of Fujitsu Australia between 2005 and 2010.

Related: NextDC hires CTO

Pretty said in a statement: "With the impending retirement of NextDC founder Bevan Slattery as a director at at the forthcoming AGM and Roger's retirement as chair, it is now opportune to bring new independent talent to the Board with appropriate commercial and international experience for NextDC's next stage of growth.

"As previously advised, we expect to make further announcements regarding the Board recruitment at or prior to the AGM."

Clarke will stay on the company’s board as a non-executive director.

NextDC shares were trading at $2.49 per share on Monday afternoon.