How is BT Group Reshaping Openreach & BT International?

BT Group has set out a significant leadership succession across two of its most strategically important divisions, reinforcing the central role of network infrastructure and global connectivity in its long-term telco strategy.

From 01 April 2026, Katie Milligan will become CEO of Openreach, while current Openreach CEO Clive Selley will move to lead BT International.

The changes come as Openreach continues the nationwide full fibre rollout and as BT International accelerates its shift into a standalone, next generation global platform business serving multinational customers.

Openreach leadership transition

Katie, currently Deputy CEO of Openreach, will succeed Clive as leader of the UK’s largest digital infrastructure provider.

Openreach remains a cornerstone of the UK telecoms market, supplying wholesale access to hundreds of service providers and underpinning national connectivity for homes, businesses and public services.

BT Group Chief Executive Allison Kirkby says: “Openreach is a critical national asset – the digital backbone of the UK – and a key driver of BT Group’s long-term value. 

“Its talented team, disciplined execution and customer focus continues to strengthen our position as the UK’s most trusted connector. 

“Katie has helped shape that success. Her deep industry experience, strong people leadership and sharp operational instincts make her the right leader to take Openreach forward.”

Katie has played a central role in Openreach’s recent commercial and financial performance. 

As Deputy CEO she has helped drive a return to revenue and EBITDA growth and has overseen major wholesale pricing agreements, including Equinox and 112. 

These deals have been instrumental in supporting long-term investment certainty for both Openreach and its communications provider customers.

Having joined BT Group in 2004 on the graduate programme, Katie moved to Openreach in 2009 and has held senior roles spanning Commercial Director and Chief Commercial Officer, giving her deep familiarity with the regulatory, operational and partner landscape of UK telecoms.

Clive Selley’s legacy at Openreach

Clive will step down as CEO of Openreach after nearly a decade in the role, during which he has overseen one of the most ambitious fibre deployment programmes in Europe. 

Under his leadership, full fibre has passed more than 21 million homes and businesses, fundamentally reshaping the UK’s fixed access network.

Reflecting on his tenure, Allison says: “Clive’s contribution at the helm of Openreach has been exceptional. 

“His leadership – particularly the scale, pace and quality of the full fibre broadband build, has set new standards for our industry. 

“We are deeply grateful for the commitment, expertise and integrity he has brought to the role. 

“Clive’s lasting legacy is a world-class digital infrastructure that will serve the UK for generations to come.”

Clive’s background includes more than 30 years in telecoms, with previous responsibility for BT’s technology division and major network transformation programmes. 

His focus on engineering capability and skills has helped Openreach build one of the largest engineering workforces in the country.

Focus on BT International

From April 2026, Clive will become CEO of BT International, succeeding Bas Burger, who will leave the group after 18 years, including nine years on the Executive Committee. 

BT International was recently carved out as a standalone unit, reflecting the growing importance of global connectivity, cloud networking and digital services for enterprise customers.

Allison adds: “Clive is also the best person to lead BT International forward as a next generation, global telco platform business. 

“No one has more experience building complex modern day infrastructure and supporting customers at scale in their digital transition. 

“I’m delighted he’s staying within BT Group and look forward to working together with him in his new role.”

She also paid tribute to Bas Burger’s contribution to BT’s global operations, adding: “I’d like to thank Bas for all that he’s done for us over the past 18 years, including leading Global, BT Business and, most recently, successfully carving out BT International as a standalone unit. 

"He has laid the foundations and strategy for a more focussed, responsive platform business for our customers outside of the UK, ready to scale and grow with the help of next generation technologies.”

Positioning for the next phase

The appointments are designed to provide continuity while sharpening execution across its core infrastructure and international platforms. 

Allison says: “Together these changes strengthen BT Group’s leadership for the next chapter – giving Openreach continued commercial and customer momentum in the UK, and speeding up the transformation of BT International.”

The moves underline BT’s intent to maintain network leadership at home while expanding its role as a global connectivity and digital services provider.