BT Group has announced organisational changes to simplify its operating model, strengthen accountabilities and accelerate its transformation.

Marc Allera, currently CEO of the EE business acquired last year by BT, has been appointed to lead a newly created Consumer business, bringing together BT’s Consumer and EE businesses. The new Consumer business will operate across three distinct brands – BT, EE and Plusnet – and will span fixed and mobile networks, consumer products and services, and content. This appointment will be effective from 1st September 2017.

Gavin Patterson, BT Group Chief Executive said, “this appointment reflects the growing scale and ambition of BT. Marc has led the successful integration and delivered the improved customer experience and strong financial performance of EE. He will lead our continued integration and convergence in consumer telecommunications.”

After almost four years as CEO of BT Consumer, and 13 years in BT, John Petter has announced he is stepping down to pursue roles outside the Group.

Gavin said, “I’d like to record my sincere thanks to John for all he has done for BT over a number of years. Most recently as CEO of BT Consumer where he has overseen our rapid expansion in the Consumer market-place. I wish him all the very best for the future.”

As part of the Group’s continued transformation, BT has also announced the appointment of Cathryn Ross, currently Chief Executive of Ofwat, the water sector regulator in England and Wales, as its new Director of Regulatory Affairs. Cathryn Ross is expected to take up her role in January 2018.

Gavin said, “we are delighted Cathryn has agreed to join BT. She will bring huge experience relevant to our business, and will work closely with me on developing our regulatory strategy and overseeing our relationship with Ofcom.”

Cathryn’s appointment follows the decision of Sean Williams, Chief Strategy Officer, BT Group, to leave BT to pursue new opportunities outside the Group.

Gavin added, “Sean has made a major contribution to BT’s continued strategic effectiveness in recent years, ensuring we secured regulatory approval for both the EE acquisition and the settlement with Ofcom over the future of Openreach. I would like to thank him for his hard work.”