TELUS Announces Transition in Leadership with Doug French's Retirement and Gopi Chande as New CFO

TELUS Leadership Transition: Doug French Retires, Gopi Chande Named Successor

In a significant leadership transition, TELUS announced today that Doug French, the long-serving Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will retire on June 30, 2026, capping off a remarkable 30-year career at the company. Doug has been pivotal to TELUS, guiding its financial strategy and operational excellence throughout his tenure. In his place, Gopi Chande, currently CFO of TELUS Digital and TELUS Health, will step in as the new CFO effective July 1, 2026.

Doug French's contributions to TELUS have been nothing short of transformative. Speaking to the media, TELUS President and CEO Darren Entwistle praised French's extensive influence on the company's financial achievements, stating, "For three decades, Doug has materially influenced the financial success of our organization, demonstrating an inspiring trajectory as he progressed from Finance Manager to the esteemed role of CFO."

During his decade-long leadership as CFO, French has not only focused on financial growth but has also emphasized strategic debt management. He secured an impressive average term of nearly 15 years for TELUS' long-term debt, with a competitive average cost of 4.77%, providing a solid financial foundation for the company's ambitious broadband network expansions, especially in 5G and PureFibre services.

French's influence extended beyond financial management. He has overseen major mergers and acquisitions and has led significant initiatives aimed at improving cost efficiency. His reputation extends internationally, earning him recognition for his leadership regarding accounting standards globally—an exceptional feat among Canadian telecommunications executives.

Notably, French has also been an advocate for TELUS' commitment to community well-being. For seven years, he has been the Global Executive Sponsor for TELUS' resource group that supports LGBTQ2+ team members. He actively participated in their annual TELUS Days of Giving since its inception, contributing to causes that resonate with the company’s mission of social responsibility.

As French embarks on this new chapter, he will remain in an advisory role until July 31 to ensure a seamless transition and will continue to serve as Chair of the Board for TELUS' tower subsidiary, Terrion.

Following in his footsteps, Gopi Chande has been recognized for her strategic and financial leadership capabilities over her 16 years at TELUS. Coming from her current position as CFO of TELUS Digital and TELUS Health, Chande has demonstrated her aptitude for guiding financial operations during pivotal moments in the company's history, including its evolution as a publicly traded entity amid challenges posed by market fluctuations.

Chande expressed her enthusiasm about taking the reins, stating, "I am honored to take on the role of Chief Financial Officer at TELUS and look forward to working closely with Doug to progress our strategic priorities. Our company has a strong future, and I am excited to support TELUS' growth and innovation."

Under her leadership, TELUS Digital has navigated complex financial landscapes and strategic transformations, including its recent privatization journey. Chande brings a wealth of public company CFO experience, bolstered by over 30 years in financial roles, including a significant tenure at KPMG, where she oversaw audit and advisory services for leading technology companies.

This planned succession underscores TELUS' commitment to stable leadership in its financial strategy and long-term growth initiatives, as stated by Entwistle. "The transition reflects the strength of our leadership bench and ensures consistency in respect to TELUS' financial strategy, capital allocation priorities, and long-term growth trajectory."

As TELUS prepares for this new chapter in leadership amidst an ever-evolving telecommunications landscape, stakeholders can look forward to continued excellence in financial performance and strategic direction. The transitions from French to Chande will be pivotal as TELUS strives to maintain its focus on delivering value for customers, communities, and investors, while upholding its legacy of social responsibility and corporate excellence.

For further updates on TELUS and its leadership, stay connected through their official channels or visit TELUS's website.