Telstra is looking for a third retail boss in three months after Karsten Wildberger suddenly quit.
Dr Wildberger only became group executive for retail in October when Gordon Ballantyne, who had been tipped as a future chief executive after helping revive the telco giant's fortunes, announced his surprise departure after five years with the business.
Telstra on Friday said Dr Wildberger had resigned, after eight weeks in the role, to take up an executive position outside of the telecommunications industry back in Germany some time in 2016.
"Karsten is a great executive. We will be disappointed to see him go but understand his personal reasons," Telstra chief executive Andy Penn said on Friday.
"Karsten brings great energy and passion to our business and has significant global experience."
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Several senior executives have departed since Mr Penn succeeded David Thodey as chief executive in May, most notably Mr Ballantyne, who was credited with attracting five million customers back to Telstra and building the retail division to where it contributed 65 per cent of the business's total revenue in 2014/15.
Group executive of business support and improvement Robert Nason and head of international Tim Chen have also left.
Dr Wildberger was appointed to the retail role two days after Mr Ballantyne suddenly announced his departure. A former Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone executive, Dr Wildberger had joined Telstra in January 2013 as consumer group managing director.
He took on responsibility for products in May before stepping up again, and is also a director of the not-for-profit Telstra Foundation and Telstra Ventures.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Telstra and in Australia and am excited by the company's prospects," Dr Wildberger said.
"I was privileged to be selected by Andy Penn to lead the retail team. I am grateful to this incredible company."
