Name: Clive Dickens
Title: Vice President – TV, Content & Product Development
Company: Optus
Commenced role:  April 2019
Reporting line:  MD, Strategic Portfolio, Singtel
Member of the executive team: Yes
Technology Function: 55 Technology team members, with five direct reports (Total Team 120 FTE)
 
Since joining Optus in 2019, Vice President – TV, Content and Product Development, Clive Dickens has been highly engaged in enterprise-wide initiatives that require deep technical understanding and innovative solutions to drive transformative growth and operational excellence.
 
With a well-established trust among his executive peers and chief executive officer, Dickens has been able to achieve positive and progressive outcomes for complex technical problems through the implementation of future-looking solutions.
 
This is due to his ability to articulate technical problems effectively, coupled with his insight into customer behaviour and business benefits, to empower the Executive Committee to make well-informed product and technology decisions.
 
Communication and collaboration
 
With communication techniques tailored for executive and non-executive audiences, Dickens articulates a sharp vision, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the desired outcomes. He is known for his collaboration to align technology initiatives with Optus’ goals.

This includes engagement with Optus and Singtel executives to emphasise the importance of inclusivity, demonstrating how inclusive practices contribute to overall organisational success and innovation.

His technical expertise, along with data-driven insights, and customer understanding gained from many years in the Media, Technology and Telco industry enabled him to generate comprehensive recommendations for digital product innovation, driving customer and revenue growth in Optus’s product line, expanding customer base and satisfaction.
 
 
Video streaming experiences
 
His expertise was instrumental for Optus’ live streaming experiences for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
 
Optus’ technology, including its bitrate and video quality, provided ultra reliable network coverage in geo-dense locations such as WWC23 stadiums and live venues, allowing millions of Australians to capture and share these truly unforgettable moments.
 
“Dedicated content delivery caches and 5G network upgrades, implemented for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, are now fully operational right across Australia,” says Dickens. “This significant nationwide infrastructure investment ensured exceptional live streaming experiences across 7plus and Optus Sport. This innovation has established a world class customer experience for a global audience by ensuring robust innovative new IP connectivity solutions,” he adds.
 
Leading content delivery

Dickens said Optus accelerated 5G deployment into Australians WWC23 stadiums, increased Optus NBN capacity, and optimised radio spectrum using heightened event support ensuring a seamless WWC23 event experience.

“While traditional companies focus on established content delivery network (CDN) providers, Optus has invested in, built and deployed dedicated content caches along with our multi-CDN approach,” he says.
 
“Building ultra dependable CDN infrastructure for video streaming involves comprehensive file systems, and hardware under the immense pressure of multi-terabit traffic loads,” adds Dickens.
 
“Scalability, reliability and security are the pillars of this endeavour, ensuring that the video streaming experience is nothing short of exceptional for our customers.”
 
The heart of innovation
 
The WWC23 results were astounding, with improved content delivery speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced user experience, particularly in high-density scenarios.

“At Optus, innovation is at the heart of our strategy,” says Dickens. “I believe that everyone has the power to create something different that adds value.”
 
He believes whether it is groundbreaking or a simple everyday improvement, innovation is everyone’s responsibility.
 
This is what propels him to also serve as an executive sponsor for the Optus Innovation Mindset program.
 
The innovation practices and governance model empower Optus teams to seamlessly navigate the innovation process, from spotting opportunities to delivering solutions.
 
“Our approach minimises bottlenecks and hindrances, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey,” he says. “We evaluate design performance with the same rigor as financial metrics, resulting in a measurable and optimised innovation governance model.

Dickens is a big supporter of his teams and bringing their ideas to life. He also offers a range of ways for them to share innovative solutions and improvements as they go about their daily work.
 
Championing diversity and inclusion
 
Key to Dickens’ role is his championing of diversity and inclusion to ensure that technology and processes support and enhance these values.

He is the co-executive sponsor of the Optus Express Yourself community, which supports the telco’s LGBTQIA+ people and allies to create a workplace where its people can express themselves and bring their true selves to work.

He also plays a pivotal role in creating and supporting an inclusive workplace, enhancing the work environment for all employees whilst driving innovation and fostering a positive organisational culture to align with the broader goals of Optus.