Pressure applied by Ofcom on BT to bring more independence to its Openreach division has prompted the telco to appoint Mike McTighe (pictured) as the first Chairman of its local fixed network business.
He brings substantial regulatory experience having been an Ofcom board member for eight years between 2007 to 2015.
BT has pledged to appoint additional independent members to the new Openreach board which will operate from early 2017 and be accountable for setting the strategy and overseeing and managing the performance of Openreach, working with CEO Clive Selley and his management team.
BT Chairman Sir Michael Rake said: "I remain hopeful that this significant move by BT can help to underpin a sustainable, proportionate and fair regulatory settlement that is in the interests of the whole country."
McTighe added: "It is clear that Openreach needs to up its game on service and regain the trust of the people we serve in the industry and across the UK. Clive is making great progress on both fronts and I look forward to working with him to ensure the UK has the best possible digital infrastructure.
"I also look forward to meeting with the many service providers who rely on Openreach services or who are keen to use its ducts and poles to build their own networks."