She has also been chair of Colonial First State Investments and a director on the boards of MYOB Group Ltd and Flexigroup Ltd.

While working as a lawyer, she was general counsel in Australia and Asia for banking giant NAB and worked as a partner at MinterEllison and Herbert Geer (now Thomson Geer).

Ms Ward succeeds Terry Cuthbertson as chair, who announced he was stepping down late last year after serving as the company’s founding chair.

Speaking about her new role, Ms Ward said: “MNF is a great example of Australian innovation and growth. I am excited to join the Board as its Chair at a time when the company is expanding its reach into South East Asia.

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“I have been impressed by the strength of the management team and their passion and commitment to deliver the strategic vision. MNF is a regional leader in cloud communications, providing software and phone numbers to the world’s largest communications and collaboration companies.

“I look forward to working closely with Rene Sugo and the Board through the next phase of growth and helping MNF continue to generate value for its customers and its shareholders.”

MNF non-executive director Andy Fung added: “On behalf of the Board and the whole Company, we welcome Anne to MNF as an Independent Director and Chair. Anne’s extensive board experience especially in the technology and software sector is an important addition to the strategic capability of the Board.

“We look forward to working with her and taking the Company to the next phase. We want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Terry for his leadership and trusted counsel. Terry has made enormous contributions to the Company.

“He chaired the Board through its successful initial public listing and guided the Company from a start-up to a regional provider in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. We wish Terry the very best in his next ventures.”