Vocus CEO Kevin Russell has announcing he is leaving the top job after five years.

Current Chief Operating Officer Ellie Sweeney is taking over the top job from March 1.

“Kevin’s leadership over the past five years has returned Vocus to growth and established the company as a formidable challenger in the market,” Sweeney said.

“On behalf of the board and Vocus team I would like to congratulate and thank him for his significant contribution to the company.”

Russell has spent over three decades in the telecommunications sector, most notably as long-time CEO of Hutchison Telecoms, who brought Orange and Three into the market.

He also bounced around various roles at Telstra and Optus.

Vocus chair Penny Bingham-Hall said the appointment of Sweeney “speaks volumes about Vocus’ shared sense of purpose and unity of culture.”

“I am excited to be leading the team through the next phase of our growth ambition,” Sweeny said.

“At Vocus, we are a challenger that lives by its purpose of building critical connections, enabling better possibilities.

“In my four years as COO I’ve experienced how critical those connections are – both the fibre connections we construct, and the connections forged by our incredibly talented people with our customers.”