BT to split retail unit in two

BT is due to split its retail unit into two divisions, named BT Consumer and BT Business, effective from September. 

The UK telco and pay TV operator said the split “will enable the company to better serve its customers and focus even more on delivering its strategic priorities” – including driving “broadband-based consumer services” and focusing on small and medium-sized business customers.

The CEO of BT Consumer will be John Petter, currently managing director of the Consumer unit within BT Retail. The CEO of BT Business will be Graham Sutherland, currently managing director of the Business unit within BT Retail. Both will continue to report to Gavin Patterson, who is due to take over from Ian Livingston as BT Group Chief Executive in September.

“BT Retail has delivered well for many years now contributing strong profits to the group. It is time however for the business to be split in two given the intensely competitive nature of the consumer market and our strong ambitions in the business space,” said BT Retail CEO Gavin Patterson.