Vocus has appointed Kevin Russell as its new CEO and managing director.

From May 28, Mr Russel will take over from Michael Simmons, who will return to his role as chief executive of enterprise and wholesale.

At the time of the last CEO’s departure, Vocus had downgraded its full-year earnings forecast by up to $10 million, citing headwinds in its consumer division.

Soon after, Vocus announced it would separate its enterprise and wholesale business units.

It now claims four reportable operating segments: enterprise and government, wholesale and international, consumer and New Zealand.

“The Vocus business has excellent foundations upon which to build. I am very energised to work with a board that is clearly leading change and renewal from the top,” Mr Russell said.

“In the rapidly changing Australian telecoms landscape, there is a real opportunity to lead this company to its fullest potential by challenging existing business models and delivering exceptional value to customers.”

Mr Russell worked most recently as Telstra’s retail group executive, and was consumer CEO and country chief officer at Optus from 2012 to 2014.

“Kevin is a highly experienced and respected CEO. He has an excellent mix of skills and the demonstrated strategic ability to improve business performance,” Vocus chair Bob Mansfield said.