From early February Australian carrier Telstra will focus on building OTT challenger software and applications, through the creation of a Global Applications and Platforms unit.

The main focus of the division will be to create new growth businesses that go up against established OTT players like Skype or What’sApp. The unit will form part of the Innovation, Products and Marketing business led by group MD, Kate McKenzie.

“Our industry is changing rapidly,” McKenzie said. “The future is in the software layer and there is an application for absolutely everything. “With successful over the top players growing exponentially, we need to continue to find ways to take challenger positions in this space.

“Telstra is moving from providing mobile and internet services to encompassing applications and integrated services. This new software defined world presents many opportunities, not least the ability to move faster. The new business will operate as a startup company drawing on the considerable assets of the broader organisation,” she said.

The core of the group will include the current Applications Marketplace and Experience Design team led by Freddie Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen and the E2E Industry Verticals team led by Andy Solterbeck.

Charlotte Yarkoni, Executive Director (ED) Applications and Platforms has been appointed to lead the new group, having previously held senior leadership roles at EMC and VMWare, with an extensive background in cloud based applications.