CEO Ian Livingston leaves BT for government role

19th Jun 2013 12:21

FTSE 100-listed telecommunications giant BT has reported that Gavin Patterson will succeed Ian Livingston as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BT Group.The group said that Livingston had agreed to take up a role in government as Minister of State for Trade and Investment and would continue as the boss of BT until he stepped down from his post and from the board in September.Patterson has served as head of BT Retail and as a BT board member since 2008, having joined the company as a senior executive four years prior to that. Sir Michael Rake, Chairman of BT, said: "Ian has done a tremendous job in transforming BT. His decision to accept a government post demonstrates the sense of public service which many of us know to be characteristic. He leaves behind him a very capable team, one which will take forward the strategy that has served BT well and which lays out the path to further success." He added: "We have a fitting and experienced successor in Gavin Patterson. He has a detailed knowledge of all parts of our business and a track record of success. He was closely involved in creating our strategy and is the right person to take it forward. BT will make yet further progress under his leadership."Gavin Patterson said: "It is a privilege to have been offered the position of chief executive of BT Group, and I am delighted to accept. The company is in a strong place. We have great opportunities ahead and are well placed to take advantage of them, in the UK and internationally. We have the people, the technology and the plans we need to build on our current successes. I look forward to leading a dynamic team to ensure we do just that."BT Group's share price was down 2.94% to 309.90p at 12:27 on Wednesday.MF