Katie Milligan appointed as new Openreach CEO starting in April 2026

Clive Selley who has taken Openreach through a decade of massive change is to be succeeded by the current Deputy CEO Katie Milligan on 1st April 2026.

“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 Milligan, incoming CEO, Openreach

“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.”

Clive Selley outgoing CEO, Openreach

“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.”‑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”

Allison Kirkby, Chief Executive of BT Group

Clive Selley has been the boss of Openreach for a decade and back in 2016 there was a very small full fibre footprint and in that decade he has overseen a rollout that has Openreach covering 64.9% of the UK with its wholesale full fibre network.

Katie Milligan as the current deputy CEO of Openreach will be inheriting the challenge of taking the Openreach footprint from 25 million premises passed at the end of 2026 through to the current ambition of 30 million by 2030. Of course a new CEO may see changes but the need to future proof the Openreach network and leave copper behind is not going to change, but there may be differences in targets and ambitions.

The Ofcom Telecoms Access Review (TAR) is due in early 2026 and that will set out how Ofcom is going to regulate Openreach in the 2026 to 2030 period. Getting the regulations balanced is becoming ever more challenging given the many changes in the alt-net sector.

Clive Selley is not leaving the BT Group he will remain and take on the role of CEO at BT International.