BT Group – Page 11
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Strategy & Change
‘Fearless’ Mehta out to power rapid change at BT
New CDIO committed to radical cultural change, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, and a willingness to embrace the risk of failure. BT’s slow start on digital transformation an opportunity to leapfrog a generation of innovation. Group CEO Jansen’s persuasiveness key to convincing Mehta of BT’s potential as a TechCo.
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Premium
BT pays hefty price for full possession of OnePhone
Swedish business’s 30% holding given a near-nine-figure price tag. Purchase coincides with OnePhone champion taking helm at new Enterprise unit.
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M&A
BT quietly divests Boingo Wireless interest
Telco offloads small minority stake in Boingo. US wireless internet service provider recently subsumed by Digital Colony.
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Enterprise (B2B)
Sims to head up new BT SoHo unit
Enterprise launches new iteration of Halo for Business with added support for micro-businesses. One of first major moves by Enterprise division following entrance of new CEO Rob Shuter in February.
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Suppliers & SCM
BT buys into blockchain-based vendor monitoring group
Tech-led transformation of telco’s procurement operations continues via adoption of IBM-backed Trust Your Supplier system. Group joins Vodafone, DT, and Verizon in backing new scheme. Move support category-aligned setup of standalone ProcureCo in Dublin.
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Products & Services
BT Security locks onto Fortinet for SD-WAN
Security division launches new managed SD-WAN with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN built-in. New service pitched as being able to “de-risk digital transformation investments” made by BT Global customers.
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Enterprise (B2B)
BT supports Orica’s cloud-native push
Latest “cloud-optimised” tech to be adopted across explosives specialist’s global footprint. BT works longstanding Cisco ties for SD-WAN contract win. Deal also involves deployment of network monitoring and cybersecurity services.
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Premium
BT people moves: strategic appointments in health and banking
BT continues its effort to grow into the healthcare industry with accounts leaders named at Enterprise. Unilever CISO joins Group as cybersecurity VP. BT Global’s Rycx targets Simplify programme expansion for MNCs. Board changes at soon-to-be subsumed OnePhone.
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Suppliers & SCM
BT Sourced adopts Globality’s smart purchasing tech
Pourrat’s new ProcureCo leveraging AI to “transform” buying processes. Globality platform to enable simpler, speedier way of doing business. Tie-up of importance to ECG compliance strategy.
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Premium
BT people moves: Karonis replacement named at Enterprise
Following the launch of BT Digital and BT Networks, Dave Matthews was appointed BT Enterprise CTIO to fill Karonis’ shoes. BT Non-Executive Director Cheshire takes a Chairman role at Spire Healthcare. BT Global SVP Roger Woodend departs for AWS.
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Operations
BT’s revamped Newcastle office set for re-opening
Operator to inaugurate opening of “one of first” upgraded offices under Better Workplace scheme. “First phase” of site redevelopment completed, with hybrid working practices helping maintain operations in meantime. Gosforth to prioritise employee welfare as a means to boost customer service.
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Strategy & Change
Networks joins Digital division to replace BT Technology
BT Technology was shuttered and replaced by two new divisions: BT Digital and BT Networks. Harmeen Mehta and Howard Watson at the respective helms as BT seeks transformation and modernisation. Fotis Karonis replacement named at BT Enterprise.
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People
Cheshire puts hat in the ring for BT chair job
Current BT non-exec seeking to buck the trend and encourage Group to look internally for du Plessis replacement. Cheshire brings considerable experience and strong political links, but may lack the skills needed for future battles.
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Public Affairs
Threat of BT national strike intensifies
CWU calls on BT member base to back strike action, with further details on proposed ballot in “coming weeks”. Group transformation continues to exacerbate already disaffected BT-union relations. Mass walkouts from ‘late-spring’ a possibility. Union and BT share very different relationship perspectives.
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Innovation (R&D)
BT shines light on AI in the East
Adastral Park R&D facility takes centre stage in inaugural Artificial Intelligence Festival. East of England emerges as UK hub for AI research and innovation. BT asserts AI thought leadership and is UK’s top AI patent filer. Group’s use of AI aligns with telco peers, but recent moves suggest bigger ...
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Suppliers & SCM
BT calls on supplier base to zero in on emissions
Operator moves into new territory to firm up green credentials, and aims to galvanise suppliers to cut indirect (Scope 3) emissions. Incentive behind new call illustrated by latest CDP report. Major BT suppliers underline their sustainability commitments.
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Network & Infrastructure
MBNL embraces machine learning for predictive maintenance
JV working with Kortical, Blue Prism, and Greenhouse Intelligence. Algorithms predict mast cooling system failures to prevent overheating and outages.
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People
Enterprise CTIO Karonis to exit BT
Former EE technology boss signs off after decade-long stint spanning mobile operator’s 2016 integration into BT. Exit adds to list of executive changes at Enterprise and within BT’s broader tech and innovation functions.
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Premium
BT people moves: Groth joins Data & AI team
BT continues Digital refresh: Group Data & AI Solutions unit further fills out with Groth joining to lead partnerships. Weston picks up Transformation Performance remit at Global. Chet Patel takes Americas MD spot at Global, with Vanderick holding fort as MD, Commercial. James Lilley to drive all-IP for Openreach ...
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Network & Infrastructure
DCMS preps Gigabit UK as MPs growl and BT looks ahead
Government finally picking up on election promises of Gigabit connectivity and consulting on how best to spend a more limited budget. Age-old questions remain over how to connect the unconnected, however.