BT Names New Retail CEO

LONDON -- BT today announces:

Ian Livingston was the youngest finance director of a FTSE 100 company . He was heavily involved in the Dixon Group’s growth including the creation of Freeserve.

Hanif Lalani has held a number of financial and operational roles within BT. Prior to becoming CFO for BT Wholesale he was managing director of BT Northern Ireland and was awarded the OBE in 2003 for services to business in the Province.

Ben Verwaayen, CEO of BT Group, said: “I am delighted with these appointments. Ian has made a very significant impact in establishing a solid financial platform for BT’s future growth, and in driving cost and debt reductions. He also has very strong experience in the retail sector.

“Hanif has long financial and commercial leadership experience in BT and a strong track record of delivery. I am confident he will be a robust and creative driver of BT’s continuing financial transformation.

“These appointments give a great basis on which to look to the future structure of BT Group.”

Sir Christopher Bland, chairman of BT Group, said: “It is proof of the strength of BT’s management that we have been able to make two such senior appointments from within the company. Ian’s experience will be an important addition to managing our large retail operation, and I am delighted to welcome Hanif to the Board in a position for which his previous roles at BT make him exceptionally well-qualified.Both Ian and Hanif have been identified for these posts for some time through our succession planning.”

BT Group plc