BT Group’s new CEO is the latest example of women taking over the telecom industry.

BT Group's new CEO is the latest example of women taking over the telecom industry.

Women Taking the Reins: Allison Kirkby Appointed as CEO of BT Group

Yesterday, the U.K. telecom giant BT Group made an exciting announcement – Allison Kirkby will be taking over as CEO in early 2024[^1^]. Kirkby, the current head of the Swedish telecom business Telia, has become a well-known force in the industry due to her exceptional leadership skills and strategic thinking. With a strong track record and extensive experience in the telecommunications sector, Kirkby is well-prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for BT.

BT Group, a £20.7 billion ($26.5 billion) firm and ranked No. 436 on the Global 500, has recently outlined a major cost-cutting drive, aiming to eliminate up to 55,000 jobs by 2030[^1^]. This ambitious plan aligns with Kirkby’s beliefs, as she has served on the BT board since 2019 and fully endorses her predecessor Philip Jansen’s strategy[^1^].

“While embracing the rapid advances in digitalization, BT is uniquely positioned to help customers benefit from them,” Kirkby stated in a press release. She recognizes the significance of BT as an important company for both the U.K. and its international customers, emphasizing the crucial role their products and services play in how people live and work[^1^].

Notably, Kirkby’s appointment is historic – she will become BT’s first female chief executive since the company’s privatization in 1984. This milestone marks a significant moment for gender diversity at the top level of BT and reflects the ongoing progress in breaking barriers for women in leadership positions[^1^].

Kirkby will also join the ranks of other notable women serving as CEOs in prominent FTSE 100 companies on the London Stock Exchange. Amanda Blanc, the leader of Aviva, and Debra Crew, the head of Diageo, are among the inspiring female leaders shaping the landscape of British business[^1^].

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Furthermore, Kirkby’s appointment is a testament to the increasing presence of influential women in the telecommunications industry. Margherita Della Valle, who became CEO of Vodafone on a permanent basis in April, and Tristia Harrison, who runs TalkTalk, a U.K. value mobile provider, are among the trailblazing women making waves in this sector[^1^].

It is encouraging to see that the telecommunications industry, in dire need of modernization, is turning to women like Kirkby, Della Valle, and Harrison to lead the way. While male CEOs still dominate the sector, the industry recognizes the valuable contributions and fresh perspectives that women bring to the table[^1^].

The Broadsheet is ANBLE’s newsletter catering to and celebrating the world’s most powerful women. It covers the latest achievements, developments, and insights on women in leadership positions.

In addition to the exciting news of Kirkby’s appointment, let’s take a quick look at other notable stories making headlines in the business world[^1^]:

Bluesky CEO Faces Criticism

Bluesky CEO Jay Graber finds herself in hot water after an account on the social media platform operated for weeks with a racist slur as its handle. Investors have sent an email scolding Graber, urging her to issue a public apology and address the incident promptly[^2^].

NFT Marketplace OpenSea Appoints New Vice President

Kelly DiGregorio, one half of the successful VP duo at Polygon Labs, will be joining NFT marketplace OpenSea as a vice president. This move comes at a challenging time for OpenSea due to the recent downturn in the NFT market[^2^].

Supply Change Capital Raises $40 Million

Supply Change Capital, a female and Latina-owned firm, has secured $40 million in capital commitments for its first fund. This fund aims to invest in companies that ensure the future food supply, with Noramay Cadena and Shayna Harris leading the way[^2^].

These stories highlight the dynamic landscape of the business world and the valuable contributions women continue to make across various industries. Now, let’s catch up on some more updates and interesting stories in case you missed them:

First Hijab in a World Cup Game

Nouhailia Benzina from Morocco became the first soccer player in history to wear a hijab during a World Cup game. This momentous event marks progress in sport and inclusivity, as FIFA only lifted the ban on hijabs in 2014[^3^].

Mary Powell’s Vision for Solar Energy

Mary Powell, CEO of California-based solar and energy storage company Sunrun, envisions leading the transition from aging power grids to solar infrastructure. Powell emphasizes the consistency and economic efficiency of solar panels, warning that existing grids are vulnerable to rising fuel prices and extreme weather events[^3^].

Building a “Recovery-Friendly” Workplace

With 46 million Americans struggling with substance-use disorder, some companies are actively working to create “recovery-friendly” workplaces. These initiatives aim to support employees and help businesses tap into a talent pool that may have been overlooked in the past[^3^].

To wrap up, it is evident that the presence and influence of women in business and various industries are on a steady rise. Allison Kirkby’s appointment as CEO of BT marks an important milestone for gender diversity at the highest level of the company. Moreover, the achievements of women like Kirkby, Della Valle, and Harrison in the telecommunications sector demonstrate that women are taking center stage in driving modernization and shaping the future of industries traditionally dominated by men.

(The Broadsheet is ANBLE’s newsletter catering to and celebrating the world’s most powerful women. It covers the latest achievements, developments, and insights on women in leadership positions)

Movers and Shakers: Elizabeth Davies has joined Verkada as Chief Privacy Officer. Lisa P. Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environmental, Policy, and Social Initiatives, will serve as a strategic advisor for Galvanize Climate Solutions. Christine Hsu Evans has been promoted to President of Headspace. Giovanna Gray Lockhart is the new Executive Director of the Frances Perkins Center[^1^].

This article was curated by Joseph Abrams, who sifted through the news to bring you the highlights. Subscribe to The Broadsheet to receive the latest updates on influential women from around the world.

On My Radar:

• A new era of soccer moms navigates a rapidly changing game – New York Times[^3^]
• A trombonist on a mission to break barriers in classical music – New York Times[^3^]
• Rent the Runway CEO started her company as a Harvard graduate student—now it’s worth $120 million – CNBC[^3^]

Parting Words:

“As a mother, you can really get caught up in the needs of your children and the seemingly endless giving. But when the chips were down, my children really showed up for me.”

—Madonna on her ongoing recovery after a health scare[^3^]

Tags: BT Group, Allison Kirkby, telecom industry, gender diversity, leadership, women in business, FTSE 100, telecommunications sector, women CEOs, news highlights