Katie Milligan appointed next CEO of Openreach
Openreach today announced that Katie Milligan, Openreach’s Deputy CEO, will succeed Clive Selley as CEO from 1 April 2026. Clive has decided to step down as CEO at the end of March 2026 - having led the company through a decade of unprecedented investment and transformation.
Katie and Clive will continue working closely together over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition and, from 1 April, Clive will be taking on another role within the BT Group – more information about that can be found here.
Allison Kirkby, Chief Executive of BT Group, said: “Openreach is a critical national asset - the digital backbone of the UK - and a key driver of BT Group’s long‑term value. Its talented team, disciplined execution and customer focus continues to strengthen our position as the UK’s most trusted connector. Katie has helped shape that success. Her deep industry experience, strong people leadership and sharp operational instincts make her the right leader to take Openreach forward.”
“Clive’s contribution at the helm of Openreach has been exceptional. His leadership - particularly the scale, pace and quality of the full fibre broadband build, has set new standards for our industry. We are deeply grateful for the commitment, expertise and integrity he has brought to the role. Clive’s lasting legacy is a world-class digital infrastructure that will serve the UK for generations to come.”
Mike McTighe, Chairman of the Openreach Board, said: “Clive has been an outstanding leader for Openreach, delivering on our fibre ambitions and building a strong, customer-focused culture. It’s difficult to under-estimate the positive impact he’s had on the company, the wider industry and the country. I’m also delighted that Katie is taking on the baton. Her experience and passion for our business, people and customers make her the ideal leader for Openreach’s next chapter.”
Clive said: “It’s been an honour to work with such a talented team and to deliver on our mission to connect the UK - building a new digital platform for growth and prosperity across the country. Openreach is a remarkable business with amazing, talented people - and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. I’m also delighted that Katie will now be taking the reins. She knows our business inside-out, she has the right set of skills and experience for this role, and she’s passionate about delivering for our people, our customers and the nation. There is nobody I’d trust more to take care of the future and Openreach has a strong future under her leadership.”
Katie Milligan, incoming CEO of Openreach, said: “I’m thrilled and privileged to be given the opportunity to lead Openreach. Our role in connecting communities, underpinning the UK economy and driving the benefits of digital inclusion has never been more important. At Openreach, we really do make the connections that matter - and I can’t wait to lead this brilliant team in delivering a successful, digital future for the whole UK.”
Katie has been with Openreach since 2009 and, before becoming Deputy CEO, was the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, driving its commercial strategy and leading customer relationships. She has played a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of full fibre broadband nationwide, as well as strengthening relationships with Openreach’s partners, customers and stakeholders.
