Herb Elliot Retires from Telstra Foundation
9 December 2010 at 2:33 pm
Australian Olympian, and one of the world's greatest middle distance runners, Herb Elliot has retired as Chairman of the Telstra Foundation.
Telstra CEO, David Thodey praised the work of outgoing Elliott, who served at the helm of the Telstra Foundation since 2003.
Thodey says Elliot has made a tremendous contribution as the Chairman of the Telstra Foundation with the Foundation directly benefiting from his inspirational leadership, his vision and commitment to the task at hand.
At the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales, Elliot won gold in the 880 yards and the mile. Two years later, at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Elliott won the gold medal in the 1500 metres, setting a new world record as well.
Elliot says the Telstra Foundation plays a pivotal role in the philanthropic space in Australia and it has been his pleasure and privilege to be a part of Telstra’s investment in the community.
Telstra veteran, Geoff Booth will take over the role of Chairman of the Foundation from January 1, 2011.
Booth spent 38 years working at Telstra in senior executive roles, including Group Managing Director, Telstra Country Wide, and held chairman and directorship roles with the Telstra Foundation since 2007.
Recently retired, Booth says he plans to build on the work done by the Telstra Foundation since its inception in 2002; continuing to focus on improving education for Indigenous children as well as working to keep kids safe online.
David Thodey says at Telstra, David Booth forged strong relationships with customers, the media and all levels of government and these skills will be valuable in his new venture.
He says the appointment is in recognition of Booth's long standing association with the Telstra Foundation and its work in supporting local Australian communities.
Since 2002 the Telstra Foundation has delivered grants totaling $35,050,353.
In his last act as Chairman, Herb Elliott released the 2010 Telstra Foundation Report. A copy of the report is available online here.
