BT announces new UK Nations & regions director

BT Group has appointed Jane Wood to lead the company’s policy and public affairs teams in the UK devolved nations, English regions and Ireland. Jane will also lead the public facing functions of BT Group in Scotland and sit on the BT Scotland board.

Jane joins BT from Prince Charles’ responsible business charity, Business in the Community, where she was CEO in Scotland and most recently executive director of membership, UK nations, and BERG (HRH’s Business Emergency Resilience Group). Jane also led on income generation for the charity.

In this senior role within the company, Jane will lead BT Group’s relationships with politicians, public bodies and key opinion formers. Jane’s team will also take a lead on policy-making for BT Group in the UK devolved nations, English regions and Ireland.

A former head of corporate affairs at Wallgreen Boots Alliance, Jane has also worked as a ministerial advisor on town centre regeneration, welfare reform and child poverty. She has championed SMEs and the role of social enterprises in communities. Jane also co-founded an award-winning bakery in East Lothian.

Jane said: “It’s exciting to be joining BT at a time when digital society and innovation is at the core of everything we do, whether that be business, our public services or at home. BT is a vital part of every community across the UK, not just in providing services but also as a major employer and digital skills ambassador.

“I’m looking forward to working with our stakeholders and customers and developing new and existing relationships across the UK. BT, like other major business, has an opportunity and responsibility to help grow our economy sustainably. BT has always been driven by the importance of making a difference through digital transformation, connecting people and communities, and I’m excited to be a part of that innovation and to be able to lead BT’s teams in the nations and regions.”

Jane has extensive experience in areas of public affairs, SME engagement, change management across various sectors and managing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. Jane’s business experience has been underpinned by leading and developing sustainable business behaviours and creating partnerships which create positive societal and economic impact.

Jane currently holds a number of non-executive director and advisory roles with Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Iris Foundation and SME data company, Thwaites Communications.

The appointment of Jane Wood follows the retirement of Brendan Dick, formerly managing director of UK nations and director of BT Scotland. Brendan is now chairman of the Openreach board in Scotland. Jane will work closely with David Wallace, director of BT’s public sector business in Scotland and chair of the BT board in Scotland.

Jane has four children and lives in East Lothian with her husband, contemporary artist, Christopher Wood.

Ends