BT Openreach finds new CEO

BT’s group director of strategy and regulatory affairs Olivia Garfield is set to lead the telecom company’s Openreach business.

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Garfield will oversee BT’s target of delivering “super-fast” fibre broadband networks to two thirds of UK homes and business by the end of 2015.

BT Openreach currently connects about 500 communications providers to the BT network, giving them equal access for telephone, internet and TV services. It allows tens of millions of homes and businesses to be connected to local telephone exchanges.

BT reported a 30% year-on-year hike in profits to £530m for the fourth quarter of 2010. This was boosted by growth in broadband figures with net additions of 188,000 in the last three months of the year – the most in eight years.

Garfield will replace Steve Robertson who became BT Openreach’s founding CEO in 2005. He will remain with BT for a short while after relinquishing the position to ensure a smooth handover.

BT Retail’s strategy chief Sean Williams will fill Garfield’s group strategy director role.

The staff changes are effective from 1 April.

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