Telia’s President and CEO Allison Kirkby will ascend to the position of Chief Executive at the UK telecommunications entity, BT Group, in early 2024. This move follows BT’s recent proclamation of its current Chief Philip Jansen’s impending departure.
Kirkby, an accomplished figure in the telecommunications arena, has been at the helm of Telia since early 2020 and has held a non-executive directorship position at BT from 2019. A charismatic addition to the telecom industry in 2010, her noteworthy career comprises distinguished tenures as the President and CEO of TDC and Tele2 AB and operational roles with esteemed companies Procter & Gamble and Guinness.
Expressing her elation, Kirkby stated, “I’m incredibly honoured to have been appointed as the next Chief Executive of BT Group,” She highlighted BT’s relevance in both UK and international markets, acknowledging the criticality of its services in this digital era. She further added that with investments in digital infrastructure and modernization of its services, BT is poised to play a more pivotal role, remarking, ” I’m fully supportive of our strategy and am excited about leading it into its next phase of development, as we grow to support customers, shareholders and the UK economy.”
Jansen is speculated to retire following the transitional period of June 2024, having continued to serve as CEO till January 2024. Adam Crozier, BT Group Chairman, articulated his enthusiasm in having Kirkby saying, “She is a proven leader, with deep sector experience and a history of having transformed businesses.”
Kirkby’s compensation for her new role comprises an annual salary of £1,100,000, 10% of the salary as a cash allowance standing in for a pension and an on-target annual bonus based on her performance.
On the note of BT’s recent turbulent experiences, from grating investor sentiments due to dwindling share prices to considerable staff cuts for transformations, Kirkby is expected to lead the company through these ill winds. Remembering BT’s positive financial achievements like revenue growth in its Consumer, Business and Openreach divisions, BT’s new leader will have a lot on her plate upon assuming her position. Emphasis was laid on her considerable renumeration to cushion the weight of this task.
BT seems to stride with a firm resolve towards the future in the wake of the new leadership, aiming to strengthen its position in the world of digital transformation. Kirkby’s proven leadership and substantial sector experience is hoped to drive the next phase of BT group’s development and ensure a smooth transition from current chief’s tenure.
