Departure spurs top-level BT rejig

BT’s senior UK management has been restructured after the departure of one managing director and the creation of a new technology position for another.

Ian Smith, managing director of BT UK Customer Services, has left the company “to explore new opportunities externally”.

Smith joined BT in 1994 and oversaw customer services, including directory enquiries, operator assistance and consumer telemarketing across the UK.

He will be replaced by director of BT UK business services Patricia Vaz, who will report to Bill Cockburn, BT UK group managing director.

Vaz’s responsibilities will be handled internally for the time being.

Business services encompass BT’s annual procurement spend of &£5bn, warehousing and distribution.

Managing director BT network and information services Chris Earnshaw is taking up a newly created position, yet to be named, as head of technology and engineering across BT and all its subsidiaries and global alliances, including the new BT/AT&T company.

He will report to BT chief executive Sir Peter Bonfield.

Earnshaw has worked for BT since 1972 and was founding president and chief executive of Concert, the doomed venture BT set up with US company MCI.

Paul Reynolds, director BT UK effectiveness and UK network, replaces Earnshaw, earning a place on the BT UK management board.

A BT spokesman says: “Technology is increasingly important, internationally. Earnshaw’s position reflects this new emphasis.” All the new appointments are effective from October 1.