BT has today announced the creation of a new technology unit to lead its digital innovation agenda from April 1, 2021.
The new unit will focus on the development and rapid delivery of innovative products, platforms, and services in key areas such as healthcare and data.
BT has appointed Harmeen Mehta as chief digital and innovation officer and she will be reporting directly to chief executive Philip Jansen as a member of the executive committee.
The new Digital unit will include accountability for IT, digital innovation, BT-wide business transformation, and data and product strategy.
Mehta joins the company from global telecoms provider Bharti Airtel where she has spent seven years as group CIO.
The company also announced that it will be appointing Howard Watson as chief technology officer. He will lead the team accountable for network strategy, network transformation, and service platforms, as well as retaining accountability for cyber and information security.
BT also announced that Mike Sherman will be leaving his role as chief strategy and transformation officer.
BT chief executive Philip Jansen said: “This is more than a leadership announcement, it’s an important statement of intent. 2020 saw a number of major BT innovations enter the marketplace but there’s an opportunity to go much further.
“The creation of BT Digital will enable us to focus on the areas where we can have the greatest impact, delivering digital platforms that bring together best-in-class services for our customers, and fully embracing new technologies such as AI and machine learning.
“These changes will help us take these ideas to market fast and at scale, accelerating our digital and business transformation programmes already underway, and I’m delighted to welcome Harmeen to BT at this exciting time.
“I’d also like to thank Mike for his leadership and contribution to BT, we wish him well for the future.”
Harmeen Mehta added: “BT is an institution with deep roots and a rich and fabulous past of serving customers and multinationals in the UK and globally.
“I am really excited to be part of the future of BT as we build a customer-centric digital organisation bringing new products and services to delight our customers and create new opportunities for digital growth in the business.”
Mehta will join BT on March 1, 2021.
