Top Questions: Chorus CEO JB Rousselot on his plan to ‘get as far away from telecom as possible’

French-born Jean Baptiste or “JB” Rousselot has spent much of his career in Australia, holding executive positions at Telstra and the National Broadband Network (NBN). Came to New Zealand just over a year ago
to take the reins in Chorus. His first 12 months turned out to be much more dramatic than he could have ever imagined. The ultra-fast broadband (UFB) operator saw record use of its fiber network and a record share price as the pandemic sparked a work-from-home boom.

What was your first job?

My first paid job was as an engineering student on a summer internship at a construction site in the middle of a forest in Colombia. My Spanish was “beginner level” at best, and I was asked to lead a small team of five local workers; great learnings! My first real job was as a consultant for Booz-Allen, an information technology consulting firm, in Paris.

What was your worst job?

I know this is going to sound cheesy, but I didn’t have a “bad” job. Some were more stressful than others, but I always liked what I was doing.

How would you describe 2020 for your business?

A big challenge: we had to cope with a massive increase in Internet traffic on our network while we had to learn to work from home on a large scale. As an essential infrastructure provider, we had to make sure everything kept working, even under level 4 lockdown. But I feel a great sense of accomplishment – the Chorus team really stuck together to keep delivering and we worked collaboratively with the rest of the industry.

How do you think the Government has handled the Covid-19 crisis?

I have family in Europe, Australia, and the US, so the comparison is easy – New Zealand’s handling of the crisis is a great example of the right decisions made early and the right community spirit and involvement to get the correct results.

What are two key things the government must do for economic recovery?

Get everyone vaccinated as soon as possible and find a way to responsibly reopen borders, especially in low-risk countries. Continue investing in nationally built infrastructure, especially telecommunications, having seen the critical role fiber plays in enabling us to work and learn remotely.

How is your business planning to face 2021?

The fundamentals of our business remain the same in a Covid or post-Covid world: meeting the growing demand for connectivity with our fiber network. In 2021, we will have to remain flexible and be prepared for the unexpected.

What will be the main challenges and / or opportunities for your industry?

Keeping up with demand and helping economic recovery by realizing the benefits of a digital economy. Also educate users, consumers and businesses, so that they can choose the correct technology and products that best suit their needs.

What was the most interesting non-Covid story of 2020?

The US elections and the country are expected to turn the page in a divisive political period. Nations, large and small, should work together to improve the lives of all.

Where are you on vacation this summer?

New Zealand of course! Walking the Milford runway at Christmas to be as far away from fixed or wireless networks and telecommunications as possible.

What was your favorite TV series of 2020?

The Queen’s Gambit – A young woman who faces a male-dominated field and comes out ahead. Plus, a bit of Russian-American geopolitical intrigue.

What are your predictions for 2021?

I am a “glass half full” person, so I hope that vaccination campaigns will be successful and allow borders to reopen and world economies to recover. However, I realize that there will be obstacles along the way.