BT Group plc has appointed Jon James as the new CEO of BT Business, focusing its efforts on the UK.
Jon James comes to BT Group from Nuuday. It is a top telecommunications provider in Denmark. He served as CEO there since 2021. During his time there, he successfully led the company through a transformation to regain growth.
With nearly 30 years in the European telecommunications and media sector, Jon has considerable experience in turning around businesses. His previous roles include working with prominent private equity firms from 2019 to 2021. He served as CEO of Tele2 Netherlands from 2017 to 2019. He was also the Chief Operating Officer at Com Hem in Sweden from 2014 to 2016. He also held important positions at Virgin Media between 2007 and 2013.
Jon James said: “I am excited and honoured to join BT as CEO of BT Business, the UK’s leader in B2B telecoms. BT Business has an unbeatable combination of deep customer relationships and world-class technology expertise, and I am looking forward to working with Allison, Bas and the BT Business team as we build an even stronger asset for our customers, our shareholders and for the UK.”
BT Group CEO, Allison Kirkby added: “I’m delighted to welcome Jon to BT, and to be working with him again. Jon’s considerable experience from the UK and European telecoms markets, together with his track record in leading businesses through transformation, will be hugely valuable as we fully focus BT Business on the UK.”
At the start of this financial year, BT announced plans to focus on its UK operations, including exploring partnerships. With Jon joining the executive team, Bas Burger can now concentrate entirely on improving BT’s international operations. He will also consider options for that part of the business.
Allison Kirkby continued: “I’d like to thank Bas for his leadership of BT Business. His extensive knowledge of the telecoms market for multinational corporations and deep relationships with key partners, vendors and customers will be invaluable as we progress with options for our international business.”
Jon James will officially take on this role on 3 March 2025 and will also join the Executive Committee.