Watson – presently BT chief architect and managing director of global IT platform – replaces Clive Selley who is taking over as CEO of Openreach this quarter.
“I am delighted to appoint Howard as CEO of BT Technology, Service and Operations. He has done a great job since joining BT in 2011 and is absolutely the right man to oversee the integration of our network with EE’s. Fixed mobile convergence is an important trend and Howard will help consumers and businesses take advantage of it,” said Gavin Patterson, chief executive of BT Group.
Watson will be in charge of BT TSO’s core networks and IT systems. The unit manages the company’s internal and external platforms, including TV, mobile and conferencing, as well as the company’s research and development arm and Adastral Park, Suffolk.
He led the technical team behind the launch of BT Sport in August 2013 and is said to have led the change in how software development is developed at BT.
“I am thrilled to be appointed as CEO of BT technology, Service and Operations. It has been my home since 2011 and we have achieved great things under its umbrella. The next few years promise to be transformational in terms of how people communicate and I look forward to making my contribution,” said Watson.
