The Board is responsible for the Group’s strategy and for overseeing the Group’s performance. The Board’s focus is on: strategy; development; growing shareholder value; oversight and control; and corporate governance.
Chairman
Chief Executive
Chief Financial Officer
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director and Designated Non-Executive Director for Workforce Engagement
Independent Non-Executive Director and Designated Non-Executive Director for Ofcom Engagement
Independent Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
Non-Independent, Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
General Counsel, Company Secretary and Director Regulatory Affairs
Responsible for the stewardship of the group, overseeing its conduct and affairs to deliver on our strategic objectives and creating long-term success to generate sustainable value for our shareholders and the interests of other stakeholders. The Board has established certain Committees to assist it in discharging its responsibilities and delegates day-to-day responsibilities to the Chief Executive.
Oversees, assesses and reviews our financial and narrative reporting, internal controls and risk management. It also oversees BT Group’s compliance with the Commitments we made as part of the 2017 Digital Communications Review (DCR) with Ofcom and the Governance Protocol.
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Audit & Risk Committee - Terms of reference
pdf - 155 KB
Considers the structure, size and composition of the Board and its Committees and advises on succession planning for the Board and the Executive Committee. It ensures the Board is diverse, with the appropriate balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledge.
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Nominations Committee - Terms of reference
New pdf - 88 KB
Agrees the remuneration framework for the Chairman, Executive Directors and certain senior executives and monitors remuneration practices and policies for the wider workforce.
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Remuneration Committee - Terms of reference
pdf - 113 KB
Agrees the responsible business strategy, including its implementation and progress on its ambitions, and monitors adherence to consumer fairness principles.
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Responsible Business Committee - Terms of reference
pdf - 126 KB
The National Security and Investigatory Powers Committee oversees our role in the use of official investigatory powers and our wider activities that touch UK national security interests.
National Security Committee (Sub-committee)
Under the Government’s national security order, the National Security Committee has been established as a sub-committee of the National Security and Investigatory Powers Committee.
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National Security Committee - Terms of reference
pdf - 85 KB
Responsible for assessing whether and to what extent Board meetings and Board papers are likely to consider or refer to a conflict of interest between BT Group and Deutsche Telekom (DT) or their respective affiliates.
Responsible for running the business and setting and executing the group strategy.
Provides input and recommendations that support the Chief Executive’s decision making on investment budgets and cases.
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Investment Board - Terms of reference
New pdf - 134 KB
Assists the Chief Executive in developing and executing our group strategy and budget, and monitors overall performance and how we’re managing risks.
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Executive Committee - Terms of reference
New pdf - 133 KB
Ensures BT Group meets its disclosure obligations and reviews and approves regulatory and other announcements before publication.
Our directors share collective responsibility for the activities of the Board. Some directors’ roles have been defined in more detail as governance considerations have developed over time:
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The Chairman
- With the Board, ensures that the group’s culture is aligned with the group’s purpose, values and strategy
- Oversees the Board’s consideration of the group’s strategy and the major risks facing the group
- Ensures the Board understands the nature and extent of any significant risks BT Group is willing to take to implement its strategy
- Responsible for the leadership and effectiveness of the Board, including overseeing corporate governance matters and undertaking the evaluation of the Board and its Committees. Monitors the contribution and performance of the directors
- Sets and manages the Board’s agenda, ensuring that directors receive timely, accurate and clear information on the group’s business and that they are fully informed of relevant matters, thereby promoting a culture of openness, constructive debate and challenge
- Develops and maintains a productive working relationship with the Chief Executive, providing support and advice where necessary and providing guidance and mentoring to the Non-Execitve Directors as appropriate
- Meets with BT Group’s major institutional shareholders and shareholder representative bodies
- Acts as a key contact for stakeholders, ensuring effective engagement, particularly with shareholders, and ensures that the Board is kept aware of their views and any concerns
- Maintains an appropriate balance between the interests of key stakeholders
- Works with the Chief Executive and the Senior Independent Director to represent BT Group in strategic and Government relationships.
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The Chief Executive
- Leads the Executive Committee
- Responsible for the day-to-day management of the business and its operations
- Develops and recommends the group strategy and budget to the Board for approval and is responsible for executing the strategy once agreed by the Board
- Provides assurance to the Board in relation to overall performance and risk management
- Maintains an effective framework of internal control and risk management
- Ensures that appropriate consideration is given to the group’s responsibilities to all stakeholders, including its shareholders, customers and colleagues
- Meets with BT Group’s major institutional shareholders
- Sets the culture of the organisation, ensuring that this aligns with the group’s purpose, values and strategy.
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The Group Chief Financial Officer
- Manages the group’s financial affairs, including finance, tax, treasury, investor relations, property, procurement and pension matters
- Oversees the group’s enterprise-wide risk profile and risk management processes
- Supports the Chief Executive in the development, implementation and achievement of the group’s strategy, business plans and financial objectives.
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Non-Executive Directors
Our Independent Non-Executive Directors:
- Bring experience and independent judgement and advice to the Board
- Develop and constructively challenge recommendations, decisions and strategy proposals within the risk and governance structure
- Bring varied industry and professional backgrounds, experience, skills and expertise aligned to the needs of the group’s business and long-term strategic objectives.
Our Non-Independent, Non-Executive Director:
As part of the terms of acquiring EE, Deutsche Telekom has the right to appoint a nominated director to the Board. Raphael Kübler was appointed to this role with effect from 30 January 2024. As a Non-Independent, Non-Executive Director, Raphael has the same responsibilities as the other directors and owes a fiduciary duty to both BT Group and Deutsche Telekom. The Conflicted Matters Committee reviews all papers ahead of sharing these with him to identify potential or actual conflicts of interest.
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The Senior Independent Director
- Available to meet with BT Group’s shareholders to discuss matters that would not be appropriate for discussion with the Chairman or the Chief Executive
- Provides advice and support to the Chairman, and acts as an intermediary between the Chairman and other directors if necessary
- Leads the Chairman’s annual performance review.
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The Company Secretary
- Advises the Board on all corporate governance matters and ensures compliance with Board procedures
- Assists the Chairman in the annual review of the Board and its Committees
- Provides effective support to the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
- Ensures a timely flow of accurate and clear information to the Board and its Committees and between senior management and the Non-Executive Directors
- Keeps well-informed of key stakeholders, including shareholders’ views
- Arranges new director inductions and ongoing training and development for the Board
- Ensures that the Board, especially the Non-Executive Directors have access to independent professional advice at BT Group’s expense where deemed necessary to discharge their responsibilities as directors.
Companies Act disclosure relating to departing directors' payment
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Philip Jansen
As announced on 8 January 2024, Philip Jansen stepped down as Chief Executive and from the BT Group Board on 31 January 2024 but remains an employee of the group until 30 June 2024 and will make himself available to Allison Kirkby on request to ensure an orderly and effective handover.
Philip’s remuneration arrangements on his departure are in accordance with the terms of his employment contract and BT Group’s directors’ remuneration policy, as approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in July 2023.
He will continue to receive his salary and contractual benefits until his termination date.
As he remains in employment for the full financial year, he will be eligible for an annual bonus (to be paid fully in cash) under the FY24 bonus scheme but will have no entitlement to any annual bonus under the FY25 bonus scheme.
As Philip is retiring from executive life, he will be treated as a good leaver in respect of his outstanding awards under BT Group’s long-term incentive plans. Accordingly, the remaining tranches of his 2020 restricted share plan award and the 2021 and 2022 restricted share plan awards will be capable of vesting on their original vesting dates after years three, four and five and will remain subject to the two-year holding period and, on vesting, will be pro-rated to reflect his period of service through to the termination date. Philip did not receive a 2023 restricted share plan award.
Philip’s 2021, 2022 and 2023 deferred bonus awards (1,512,224 shares plus any dividend equivalents if paid) will vest in full in accordance with their original timeframes.
Philip is required to hold BT shares with a value of 500% of his base salary (or to retain his actual shareholding immediately prior to his termination date, if lower) until the second anniversary of his termination date.
He will receive no compensation or payment for the termination of his employment contract or his ceasing to be a director of the company or any other group company, although BT will pay independent advisor fees of £45,000 and £100 for reconfirmation of customary post-employment restrictions on working for competitors.
Full details of Philip’s remuneration arrangements for FY24 will be published in due course in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration contained in BT Group’s Annual Report 2024. Vesting and payment of the deferred awards and any vesting of his 2021, 2022 and 2023 restricted share plan awards will be disclosed, as required, in the appropriate directors’ remuneration report.
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Gavin Patterson
Section 430(2B) Companies Act 2006 disclosure in relation to departing director
As announced on 25 October 2018, Gavin Patterson stepped down as Chief Executive and from the BT Board on 31 January 2019.
Gavin will be paid in accordance with the terms of his employment contract and BT’s directors’ remuneration policy, as approved by shareholders in 2017.
He will continue to receive his salary and contractual benefits until the end of his notice period being 25 October 2019. Notice was served on 25 October 2018 following the announcement of his successor. These pro-rated payments will total £777,489 salary and fees, £15,000 benefits and £203,000 pension allowance. Should Gavin wish to take on another role during the notice period, he will forfeit any payments owed to him as part of his outstanding notice period. Customary restrictions on working for competitors are in place.
He will be eligible for an annual bonus (cash and deferred shares) under the 2018/19 bonus scheme. Any bonus paid would be pro-rated to reflect his period of service as Chief Executive.
Gavin will be treated as a good leaver in respect of his outstanding awards under BT’s long-term incentive plans. Accordingly, his 2016 and 2017 incentive share plan awards will vest on their original vesting date to the extent that the performance conditions are met and, on vesting, would be pro-rated to reflect his period of service as Chief Executive. He did not receive a 2018 incentive share plan award.
Gavin’s 2016 and 2018 deferred bonus awards (248,763 shares plus any dividend equivalents if paid) will vest in full in accordance with their original timeframes. He did not receive a 2017 deferred bonus award.
He will receive no compensation or payment for the termination of his service contract or his ceasing to be a director of the company or any other group company, although BT will pay outplacement fees of up to £40,000 and legal fees of up to £9,000.
Full details of Gavin’s remuneration arrangements for 2018/19 will be published in due course in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration contained in BT’s Annual Report & Form 20-F 2019. Vesting and payment of the deferred awards and any vesting of his 2016 and 2017 incentive share plan awards will be disclosed, as required, in the appropriate directors’ remuneration report.
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Sir Michael Rake
Sir Michael Rake stepped down from the BT Board on 31 October 2017.
No remuneration payment will be made to Sir Michael Rake after he ceases to be a director and he has not, and will not, receive any payment for loss of office.
We anticipate that Sir Michael may, in the future, undertake advisory services for the Company on specific matters.
Details of Sir Michael’s remuneration as a BT director for 2017/18 will be disclosed in our Annual Report & Form 20-F 2018 when published. -
Tony Chanmugam
Tony Chanmugam stepped down from the BT Board on 13 July 2016, following our AGM. Details of the treatment of Tony’s remuneration arrangements can be found on pages 132-133 of the Report on Directors’ Remuneration Report contained in our Annual Report & Form 20-F 2016.
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Report on directors' remuneration 2016 (pdf - 465 KB) - 26/05/2016 - New
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Board Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Diversity and inclusion are mission critical for us at BT Group.
Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the only thing to do
if we’re to achieve our aspiration of connecting people for good.-
Audit & Risk Committee - Terms of reference
The Executive Committee provides input and recommendations to assist the Chief Executive with strategy development and operational management. It is chaired by the Chief Executive.
The Executive Committee assists the Chief Executive to:
- develop group strategy and budget for approval by the Board
- execute the strategy once the Board approves it
- give assurance to the Board on overall performance and how we’re managing risks.
The Chief Executive, or a delegate, take all decisions. This is so there is a single point of accountability.
Chief Executive
Chief Financial Officer
Claire Gillies
CEO, Consumer
Appointed April 2025.
Claire joined BT Group from Bell Canada, where she worked from 2000 to 2025 in a variety of senior leadership roles. Most recently, she was President of Bell's Wireless and Consumer Divisions, running a business generating c.£8bn (CA$14bn) in revenues with more than 20 million customer subscriptions, and ran The Source, Canada's largest consumer electronics retailer.
Claire is also a member of the International Women's Forum Fellow's Program and vice chair of Kids Help Phone, a youth mental health charity, as well as co-chair of their Feel Out Loud campaign.
Jon James
CEO, Business
Appointed April 2025.
Before joining BT Group to lead UK Business, Jon was the CEO of the leading Danish telecoms provider, Nuuday, where he led its comprehensive operational and technology transformation, driving a return to growth. In his 30-year career in the telecoms, media and technology sector, Jon has led a series of successful, large-scale transformations; he has been CEO of Tele2 in the Netherlands, Chief Operating Officer at Swedish cable operator Com Hem and was one of the senior leaders driving the creation and transformation of Virgin Media in the UK.Thomas Meakin
Chief Strategy & Change Officer
Appointed November 2024.
Tom became interim Chief Strategy & Change Officer in May 2024 and was appointed on a full-time basis later that year. Before joining BT, Tom was a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company where he led the firm’s Consumer Technology & Media industry practice globally. Between 2015 and 2017 he was COO at freenetTV, a German PayTV operator owned by TPG Capital.Howard Watson
Chief Security and Networks Officer
Appointed February 2016 as chief technology and information officer and became chief technology officer in March 2021. In September 2022, Howard’s role expanded to put security at the core of the business to accelerate BT’s ambition to become the world’s most trusted connector of people, devices and machines and become the Chief Security and Networks Officer.
Howard was formerly chief architect and managing director, global IT systems and led the technical teams behind the launch of BT Sport in 2013. Howard joined BT in 2011 and has 30 years of telecoms experience having spent time at Telewest Communications (now Virgin Media) and Cartesian, a telecommunications consultancy and software company.
Athalie Williams
Chief People & Culture Officer
Appointed December 2022.
Before joining BT Group, Athalie was Chief People Officer for BHP. As Chief People Officer Athalie was responsible for delivering innovative people and culture strategies, programs and policies to support the employment and development of BHP's employees globally and ensuring the company had the right people and capabilities to deliver its strategy.Prior to BHP, Athalie spent 14 years leading complex business transformation and change programs in Australia and Asia as an Organisation Strategy and Change Management consultant with Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting). Earlier in her career she worked at National Australia Bank where she was General Manager of Cultural Transformation in the Office of the CEO.
General Counsel, Company Secretary and Director of Regulatory Affairs
Appointed General Counsel in April 2018, appointed Director Regulatory Affairs and Company Secretary in May and September 2021 respectively.
Before joining BT Group, Sabine was Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer and Company Secretary of Anheuser-Busch InBev for 12 years. She also held various legal leadership roles at Diageo. Sabine is qualified to practise law in England and Wales and New York State. She is also a member of the Court of Directors of the Bank of England.
Sabine, or her nominee, is secretary to the Audit & Risk, Executive, Nominations, Remuneration and Responsible Business Committees.
Clive Selley
Invitee - CEO, Openreach
Appointed February 2016.
Clive was formerly CEO, Technology, Service & Operations, CEO innovate & design and before that president, Global Services portfolio & service design. The CEO, Openreach cannot be a member of the Executive Committee under the provisions of the Commitments. Clive attends Executive Committee meetings as appropriate.
