(Telecompaper) Australian operator Telstra has appointed Andrew Penn as its CEO, effective 1 May. Penn replaces David Thodey, who has decided to retire after almost six years as CEO. Penn currently serves as Telstra's CFO and Group Executive International. He is a former CEO of insurance company Axa Asia Pacific, and has more than 30 years' experience in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and across Asia-Pacific in chief executive, finance, strategy and other executive positions. Thodey will continue to assist with Penn's transition from 1 May until the end of the financial year (30 June) and remain "available to the business" until late August, Telstra said.