Telstra Chairman Catherine Livingstone said she looked forward to Dr Scheinkestel making a substantial contribution to the Telstra Board.
“Dr Scheinkestel has significant expertise in the financial sector, as well as broad experience as a director of large Australian companies operating in increasingly competitive markets,” she said.
Dr Scheinkestel's current listed company directorships include AMP Ltd, Orica Ltd and Pacific Brands Ltd.
Her background is as a senior banking executive in international and project financing, responsible for the development and financing of major projects in Australasia and South East Asia, whilst her current consulting practice assists government, corporate and institutional clients in areas such as corporate governance, strategy and finance.
In 2003, Dr Scheinkestel was awarded a centenary medal for services to Australian society in business leadership. She is also an Associate Professor at the Melbourne Business School at Melbourne University.
Telstra's 11-member board will comprise Catherine Livingstone (Chairman), David Thodey (Chief Executive Officer), Geoffrey Cousins, Russell Higgins, John Mullen, Nora Scheinkestel, John Stanhope, John Stewart, John Stocker, Steven Vamos and John Zeglis.
The appointment of Dr Scheinkestel will be effective 12 August 2010 and subject to shareholder approval at Telstra's next Annual General Meeting on 19 November in Melbourne.