BT has announced that Clive Selley, the CEO of its infrastructure arm Openreach, will step down after nearly a decade. Selley's leadership has been critical in almost completing a £12 billion rollout of full fibre broadband to 25 million homes in the UK. His efforts were part of an initiative by former BT CEO Philip Jansen, who emphasized the urgent need to improve the UK's broadband infrastructure, which has lagged behind other countries. Selley will transition to lead BT's international division, marking a significant shift in the company's management structure as Allison Kirkby, BT's first female CEO, initiates significant changes within the executive team.

Since taking the helm in February 2024, Kirkby has restructured a considerable portion of BT’s executive committee, changing 10 of the 11 members. This move indicates her commitment to revitalizing the company and addressing the challenges it faces in a highly competitive telecom market. Under Selley's leadership, Openreach was on track to exceed its goal of making full fibre broadband accessible to 25 million homes by the deadline, reflecting a major step forward in infrastructure development. There have been ongoing discussions regarding the potential sale of Openreach, emphasizing the strategic choices facing BT as it navigates its future direction.

The management changes at BT may reflect broader trends in the telecom industry as companies seek to remain competitive and responsive to technological advancements. Kirkby's approach suggests a focus on innovation and enhancing customer service as essential elements in BT's strategy moving forward. The implications of this shake-up could lead to shifts in operational priorities, particularly in scaling broadband accessibility in a market where digital connectivity continues to be pivotal for economic growth and consumer satisfaction.