Maximising the benefits of digital technologies is key to driving the future economic growth and success of the North East, BT’s new regional chair said today.
Simon Yellowley has been appointed as chair of BT’s regional board in the North East, where the company employs more than 8,500 people. The board is made up of ten senior BT executives, all of whom live and work in the region.
Simon, 46, whose BT career spans nearly 20 years, will lead the board and direct BT’s activities to ensure the company remains one of the region’s leading investors and employers. Among the company’s achievements in the North East is the creation of a high-speed fibre broadband network that is already available to more than one million homes and businesses, and is continuing to grow rapidly.
He said: “I’m honoured to represent BT across the North East and I’m passionate about supporting my home region in its ambitions. I am determined to ensure that BT plays a major role in the future success of the North East as an investor, innovator and major employer. We are one of the region’s largest private sector investors through our roll-out of exciting technologies, such as superfast broadband and 4G mobile communications – and we most certainly are not stopping there. The North East has huge potential and we want to support the region to achieve maximum productivity and economic growth.
“Technology is developing at an astonishing pace and it’s vital that no one gets left behind so we’re already rolling out the next generation of ultrafast services to ensure the region is on the front foot when it comes to broadband technology.
“BT is also a major employer in the region – employing more than 8,500 local people and boosting the local economy by millions of pounds every year. We have a significant presence in towns and cities across the region including Newcastle, Sunderland, South Shields, Darlington and North Tyneside. Some of BT’s largest contact centres are based here in the North East.”
Simon already heads up BT’s public sector business across the North of England and has been a member of the North East board for ten years.
Simon replaces Farooq Hakim, who has held the BT regional chair role for five years.
He said: “After working for BT for over 21 years I have decided that it is time for me to move on to pastures new. In my role at BT I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest and most talented people from across all sectors of the region.
“I am delighted that I am passing the role into Simon’s very capable hands. He has a depth of experience which I am sure he will utilise to the full extent in supporting our great region.
“My very best wishes for the future to Simon. I’m sure he will continue the journey in helping to ensure the North East becomes a leading region in the UK.”