Macquarie Telecom names new chief in leadership reshuffle

Macquarie Technology Group has named long-serving telecoms executive Luke Clifton as a Director and promoted Commercial Director Marija Harris to lead its Macquarie Telecom unit as the group expands across telecoms, cloud, cyber, and data centres.

Clifton becomes Director of Macquarie Technology Operations. He moves into the governance role after nearly 15 years in senior leadership at the group.

He has led Macquarie Telecom for more than a decade. He has also held other senior positions within the business.

The company said Clifton will focus on governance, board work, and advisory responsibilities in his new role. He will support the business during a handover period.

Harris will take over as Group Executive, Macquarie Telecom. Her appointment will take effect in early 2026.

She steps up from the role of Commercial Director. She has held that position for the past two years.

Macquarie Technology said the leadership changes form part of its broader growth agenda in telecommunications, cloud, cybersecurity, and data centres. The group is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the code MAQ.

Leadership transition

Clifton has been a central figure in Macquarie Telecom's strategy. He has overseen the introduction of software-defined wide area networking, or SD-WAN, within the business.

He also led the company's work in cybersecurity and cloud services for the mid-market. He has driven the expansion of partnerships with vendors including VeloCloud, Fortinet, and Netskope.

Macquarie Technology said Clifton's appointment as Director would keep his experience and perspective within the group. He will sit on the Macquarie Technology Operations board.

Macquarie Technology co-founder and Chief Executive David Tudehope acknowledged Clifton's role in shaping the telecom business.

"Luke has made an extraordinary contribution to Macquarie Telecom over the past 15 years. He has shaped our challenger ethos, led the introduction of SD-WAN to the Australian market, championed our SoUnTelco approach, strengthened our cyber and cloud capabilities in the mid-market, and built enduring customer and vendor partnerships," said David Tudehope, Macquarie Technology co-founder and CEO.

Clifton said he now plans to focus on long-term stewardship and governance. He described the move as the next chapter of his career.

"Macquarie has been a defining chapter in my life and career and I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved - from our SD-WAN leadership to our work with nbn, our cyber and cloud growth, and our commitment to onshoring Australian jobs. After much reflection, I feel this is the right moment to transition to a governance and advisory portfolio," said Clifton.

New telecom chief

Harris takes charge of Macquarie Telecom after two years overseeing its commercial agenda. The company said she has been a key contributor to strategy, financial performance, and customer growth.

She joined Macquarie Telecom following senior management roles at Foxtel and Virgin. She has worked across commercial and customer-focused positions.

Tudehope said Harris was already a recognised figure inside the group and across the sector.

"Marija is a highly respected leader within Macquarie and in the industry. She brings deep commercial insight, a strong customer mindset, and a collaborative leadership style that aligns with our culture and our growth ambitions," said Tudehope. "The Board and I are delighted to appoint her as Group Executive for the next phase of our journey."

Clifton said Harris had his full backing as she moves into the Group Executive role. He said he would continue to work with her through the transition.

According to Clifton, Marija is a leader of exceptional capability and character. "She understands our customers deeply, knows the business intimately, and has my full confidence. I look forward to supporting her through the handover and continuing my involvement with the Group through the Macquarie Technology Operations Board," said Clifton.

Ongoing roles

Clifton will also maintain responsibilities outside the company. He will continue as Chair of the Australian Men's Shed Association.

That organisation runs community-focused programs that address men's mental health and local engagement. Clifton has been leading national strategic initiatives in that role.

Macquarie Technology said the leadership changes would roll out over the coming months. It plans a structured program of engagement with customers, partners, and employees during the transition.

The group said the process is designed to maintain continuity across its telecoms, cloud, cyber, and data centre operations as the new structure beds in.