BT Group is creating a new standalone international business unit in 2025, separating it from its UK operations. This strategic move, reported by the Financial Times, involves over 8,000 employees and aims to sharpen the focus on domestic telecoms and broadband opportunities.
Leadership and Objectives
Bas Burger, formerly the CEO of BT Business, will lead the new international division. CEO Allison Kirkby is driving this restructuring to streamline operations and achieve £3 billion in savings by the end of 2029. BT aims to reduce its workforce to 75,000 by 2030 as part of this efficiency drive.
Recent Divestitures
BT has recently sold its Italian unit to Retelit and its Irish wholesale and enterprise unit to Speed Fibre Group. Equinix is set to acquire BT Group's Irish data center business for €59 million, with the deal expected to close in the first half of 2025.
Strategic Focus
Kirkby's focus is on the UK market, positioning the international business for potential sale or merger. This restructuring allows BT to concentrate on its core strengths in cloud, networking, and security. The changes reflect BT's broader strategy to streamline operations and improve its competitive edge.