MNF non-executive director Andy Fung said "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 [Cuthbertson] 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."

Cuthbertson announced his intention to step down from the board in October 2020.

Ward is currently the chair of RedBubble, a director of the Foundation for Imaging Research, a council member at RMIT University and a governor of the Howard Florey Neuroscience Institutes.

She previously served as chair of Colonial First State Investments, Qantas Superannuation, Zoos Victoria, Centre for Investor Education, and Pyrenees Vineyard Management, and as a director of MYOB, Flexigroup, Brain Research Institute, Epworth Healthcare, and the Transport Accident Commission.

As a commercial lawyer, she worked as general counsel at National Australia Bank, and as a partner at Minter Ellison and Herbert Geer.

Ward holds bachelor's degrees in arts and law from the University of Melbourne.

"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," she said.

"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."