Openreach chairman steps down amidst leadership reshuffle
Openreach has announced a big reshuffle of its board and executive team, with long-serving independent chairman Mike McTighe departing from the company.
McTighe, who has held the role of chairman since 2016, led the network’s investment in full fibre that has seen it achieve market dominance in the UK, connecting almost of homes to the high-speed fixed broadband infrastructure.
He will be succeeded as chairman by Michael Jary, who is currently an independent non-executive director of Openreach.
Jary has significant experience in corporate strategy and regulation, previously holding a non-executive directorship at Barclays Bank UK and serving as chairman of Kensington Mortgages. He will also chair the National Audit Office from January 2027.
In addition to the appointment of a new independent chairman, BT Group CFO Patricia Cobian will join the Openreach board as BT Group’s nominated non-executive director, together with form Vodafone Chief Networks Officer Andy MacLeod.
Matt Davies will step down as Openreach Chief Financial Officer at the end of year, and he will be succeeded in this role by Jamie Vague, who is currently BT Group FP&A Director. Belinda Bagge will be appointed to the role of Openreach Company Secretary following the depature of Jon Furmston.
Speaking on the departure of Openreach chairman Mike McTighe, BT Group chairman Adam Crozier said he had made an outstanding contribution as the first independent chair of the company.
“[McTighe has] been a strong and steady guiding hand through an unprecedented transformation of that business, helping establish its independence, strengthen relationships across the market and champion the investment that’s now transforming the UK’s digital infrastructure,” Crozier said.
“He leaves an amazing legacy for both our business and the country and, on behalf of the BT Group Board, I’d like to thank him for everything he’s done.”
“Meanwhile Michael is an excellent successor, bringing significant Board, government and regulatory experience – so we know that Openreach will continue to build on that legacy and deliver for all its customers,” he said.
