iiNet founder joins NBN board

Michael Malone, the founder of Internet service provider iiNet, has joined the board of NBN as a director, the federal government has announced.

Malone founded iiNet in 1993 and, as its CEO until 2014, built it into one of Australia’s largest ISPs.

TPG last year acquired iiNet.

Malone replaces Internode founder Simon Hackett who joined the NBN board in 2013.

“Michael is a long-standing and respected member of the telecommunications industry,” NBN chairman, Ziggy Switkowski, said in a statement.

“His experience will complement the diverse backgrounds and skillsets that exist on today’s nbn Board and help fill the gap created by the departure of Mr Hackett.”

Hackett has left the board to focus on Redflow Limited. Hackett is the largest shareholder in the ASX-listed battery company.

“Simon has been a critical member of the NBN board bringing deep knowledge of the retail service provider business and a creative entrepreneurial mindset to our deliberations,” Switkowski said.

“There are few such individuals who match the specific needs of NBN so well at this stage of its development. We thank Simon for his active and valued contribution since his appointment in November 2013.”