Katie Milligan, currently deputy CEO of Openreach, will become CEO of Openreach, succeeding Clive Selley. Selley will move into the role of CEO of BT International, replacing Bas Burger, who has decided to leave the group after 18 years with the company, including nine years as a member of the executive committee.

Allison Kirkby, chief executive of BT Group, described Openreach as “a critical national asset, the digital backbone of the UK, and a key driver of BT Group’s long-term value”. She said Milligan has played a central role in shaping Openreach’s progress and praised her “deep industry experience, strong people leadership and sharp operational instincts” as the business continues its nationwide full fibre rollout.

Kirkby also paid tribute to Selley’s tenure as CEO of Openreach, highlighting the “scale, pace and quality” of the full fibre build achieved under his leadership. “Clive’s lasting legacy is a world-class digital infrastructure that will serve the UK for generations to come,” she said.

Commenting on Selley’s move to BT International, Kirkby said he is “the best person to lead the business forward as a next-generation, global telco platform”, citing his experience in delivering complex infrastructure programmes and supporting customers through digital transformation.

Burger’s departure marks the end of an 18-year career at BT, during which he led Global, BT Business and most recently oversaw the carve-out of BT International as a standalone unit. Kirkby said he has “laid the foundations and strategy for a more focused, responsive platform business” outside the UK.

BT Group said the changes will strengthen leadership across both units, maintaining momentum at Openreach while accelerating the transformation of BT International.

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