In a significant shift within BT’s leadership, Katie Milligan has been appointed as the new chief executive of Openreach, succeeding Clive Selley, who has played a pivotal role in the company’s ambitious fibre broadband expansion. This transition comes at a critical juncture for BT as it grapples with fierce competition and evolving market demands.
Clive Selley’s Legacy
Clive Selley, who has led Openreach since 2016, has overseen a monumental £12 billion initiative to roll out full fibre broadband to 25 million homes across the UK. Under his guidance, the company has not only aimed to modernise the aging network but also to elevate the UK’s standing as a global player in high-speed internet access. His tenure has been marked by a relentless push to “build like fury,” a directive from former BT chief Philip Jansen aimed at transforming the digital landscape.
As Selley transitions to head BT’s international division, he leaves behind a legacy of swift progress and substantial achievements. “Clive’s contribution at the helm of Openreach has been exceptional,” remarked Allison Kirkby, BT’s first female CEO. She praised Selley’s leadership, particularly noting the scale and quality of the fibre rollout, which has set new benchmarks for the telecommunications sector.
The Road Ahead for Milligan
Milligan, who previously served as Selley’s deputy, now faces the daunting task of deciding the future trajectory of Openreach’s fibre network. With the ambitious goal of expanding coverage to 30 million homes by the end of the decade, she must navigate a competitive landscape increasingly dominated by alternative network providers. These “alt nets,” such as CityFibre, have been eroding Openreach’s customer base, with the company recently forecasting a loss of 850,000 customers by the end of the current financial year.
The question looms: can Milligan sustain the momentum built under Selley and fend off the encroaching competition? Her leadership will be critical as BT seeks to maintain its position in a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.
A Broader Management Overhaul
This leadership change is part of a broader reshuffle orchestrated by Kirkby, who has revamped 10 of the 11 members of BT’s executive committee since taking charge in February 2024. The reshaping of the upper echelons of BT reflects a strategic move to reinvigorate the company and adapt to the fast-paced telecommunications landscape.
With Selley’s departure and Milligan’s ascent, BT signals a commitment to innovation and responsiveness in a sector where agility is paramount. Kirkby’s vision for the company appears to hinge on not only strengthening Openreach but also on enhancing BT’s overall competitiveness.
Why it Matters
The appointment of Katie Milligan as chief executive of Openreach is a pivotal moment for BT as it seeks to solidify its position in the telecommunications arena. With a well-defined strategy for fibre expansion and the looming threat of competition, her leadership will be crucial in determining whether BT can uphold its status as a vital player in the UK’s digital infrastructure. As consumer demand for reliable, high-speed internet continues to rise, the stakes have never been higher for BT and its newly appointed leaders.
