Woolworths’ chief security officer Pieter van der Merwe will join Optus from later this year, coinciding with a change in the telco’s approach to security.

The appointment was announced internally in a message by Optus CEO Stephen Rue.

Van der Merwe is currently Woolworths’ CSO, and prior to that was the retailer’s chief information security officer.

“Pieter’s appointment marks an important milestone in structuring our business to support our strategic needs and the championing of our customers,” Rue said.

“[He] brings extensive experience leading security efforts for organisations trusted by millions of customers, where privacy, data protection, compliance, and governance are non-negotiables.”

Van der Merwe confirmed the move in a LinkedIn comment that indicated he is yet to leave the retailer.

“Whilst my time at Woolies is not yet at an end, I am incredibly proud of what we have done at Woolies, and I know my team will continue our momentum, and support whomever steps into the role next,” he wrote.

Until now, security responsibilities have fallen to Optus’ head of national and cyber security Ben Davies.

iTnews understands Davies is moving to a different role internally, freeing up the security portfolio.

Security also previously reported through CIO Mark Potter.

However, under the changes, information and physical security are being brought together under a single executive, and the reporting line also changes, now going directly to CEO Rue.

A Woolworths spokesperson was contacted for comment.