RUMOURS of Telstra's imminent demise have been much exaggerated. "We have no plans to die," says David Thodey, who marks one year in the loneliest job in the ASX 200 today.
The telco chief executive scoffs at rumours of a looming profit warning, hints at a major redundancy program, and hits back at claims that he's indecisive.
Thodey, speaking to The Australian Financial Review, also warns the government that he will "compete aggressively" with the national broadband network if it refuses to pay adequate compensation for Telstra's infrastructure and customers.
In the 12 months since he took the job, Telstra's share price has dropped from $3.18 to $3 while the rest of the market has risen by 20 per cent.
Thodey is battling to slash costs while cleaning up customer service and spending more to win back customers from cheaper rivals in the broadband and mobile markets.
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