BT is setting up a new digital technology unit to accelerate development of next-generation services for customers in key areas such as data and healthcare. This new Digital unit will be effective from 01 April 2021.
BT has appointed Harmeen Mehta as Chief Digital and Innovation Officer to lead this new Digital unit, reporting to BT Group CEO Philip Jansen. Her appointment is effective from 01 March and will see her join the Executive Committee and lead the group's IT, digital innovation, business transformation and data and product strategy. She joins BT from global telecoms group Bharti Airtel, where she been Group CIO for the last seven years.
BT also confirmed the appointment of Howard Watson as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) with responsibility for network strategy, network transformation and service platforms, as well as cyber and information security. BT will also set up a new, non-executive Technology Advisory Board (TAB) to provide external insight to the Executive Committee on emerging technology, market and societal trends. The TAB will be made up of industry experts including Daniela Rus, Mike Young, John Stecher, Shweta Sharma, Steve King and Dame Wendy Hall. They will meet three times a year to provide ideas on product/service development.
Mike Sherman, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, will leave BT Group after three years in the role. Product strategy, business transformation, data and AI will move from Strategy & Transformation to the new Digital unit; with corporate strategy responsibility taken over by Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Simon Lowth.
