Openreach, the UK’s largest wholesale broadband network, has appointed its deputy chief executive, Katie Milligan, as its new CEO. The promotion is part of a wider senior leadership reshuffle at parent company BT Group, which will also see outgoing Openreach CEO Clive Selley take the helm of BT International. The changes are effective from April 1.
Milligan succeeds Clive Selley, who is moving to lead BT International following the departure of Bas Burger after 18 years with the company. The moves are designed to strengthen Openreach’s commercial trajectory while accelerating the evolution of BT’s international operations.
Leadership Endorsements and Career Path
BT Group Chief Executive Allison Kirkby stated that Milligan’s “deep industry experience, strong people leadership and sharp operational instincts” made her the standout choice for the role. Kirkby credited Milligan with playing a key role in steering Openreach back to revenue growth and leading significant product and pricing initiatives.
These initiatives include forging wholesale agreements and establishing deeper partnerships with communications providers. Milligan, who joined BT as a graduate in 2004, moved to Openreach five years later. She has held several senior positions within the company, including commercial director and chief commercial officer.
Openreach’s Current Footprint and Selley’s New Role
Openreach operates as an independent subsidiary within BT Group, serving more than 700 communications providers across the UK. Its full-fibre broadband network now reaches more than 22 million homes and businesses.
Clive Selley, who previously led BT’s technology division and oversaw large-scale network transformation programs, will now head BT International. Kirkby said Selley’s infrastructure background and experience in guiding customers through digital transformation make him “the best person” to lead the unit. BT International focuses on serving multinational corporations headquartered outside the UK and overseas public sector clients.
Strategic Implications and Forward Outlook
BT Group stated that the leadership changes will bolster Openreach’s existing commercial momentum. Simultaneously, the company aims to accelerate the growth of its international business as a next-generation global platform. The reshuffle reflects a strategic alignment of executive expertise with the distinct challenges and opportunities faced by Openreach’s domestic infrastructure build and BT International’s global expansion ambitions.
With the official transition date set for April 1, both Milligan and Selley are expected to immediately assume their new responsibilities. The appointments signal a period of focused execution on Openreach’s nationwide fibre rollout and BT International’s targeted growth strategy in the competitive global telecommunications market.
Source: Mobile News CWP
