Openreach, the legally separate, wholly owned subsidiary of BT Group plc (BT.A), has announced a series of Board and executive changes, including the appointment of Michael Jary as incoming Chair to succeed founding independent Chair Mike McTighe. McTighe, who has held the role since 2016, will step down on 31 March 2027 after a decade overseeing a major transformation of the business. The changes also include two new non-executive director appointments and a succession in the Openreach CFO role, signalling a broad leadership refresh as the network operator pursues its Connect the Nation strategy.

Key Points

  • BT Group plc (BT.A) subsidiary Openreach announces Board and executive leadership changes
  • Mike McTighe steps down as independent Chair on 31 March 2027, succeeded by Michael Jary
  • BT Group CFO Patricia Cobian and telecoms veteran Andy MacLeod join the Openreach Board from 1 December 2026
  • Investors should watch how the new Board composition shapes Openreach's Full Fibre rollout and regulatory relationships

Mike McTighe Departs After Ten Years as Openreach's First Independent Chair

Mike McTighe became Openreach's first independent Chair in 2016, playing a central role in establishing the subsidiary's greater operational and strategic independence from BT Group. During his tenure, the announcement states, Full Fibre connectivity was extended to almost 25 million homes and businesses, with more than 10 million customers connected to the new network. Openreach is now described in the announcement as Europe's largest Full Fibre network provider. McTighe also oversaw improvements in customer service and helped strengthen relationships across the UK communications market throughout a period the company characterises as an unprecedented transformation.

Michael Jary to Lead Openreach Board Through Connect the Nation Strategy

Michael Jary joined the Openreach Board as an independent non-executive director last year, the announcement states, bringing expertise in corporate strategy, government affairs and regulation. He will assume the Chair role as Openreach continues investing in the UK's digital infrastructure under its Connect the Nation strategy, which requires the subsidiary to serve all communications provider customers on equal terms under commitments made to Ofcom in 2017. Jary holds additional board positions including non-executive director of Barclays Bank UK and Chair of Kensington Mortgages, and is set to become Chair of the National Audit Office in January 2027.

Patricia Cobian and Andy MacLeod Appointed to Openreach Board From December 2026

BT Group Chief Financial Officer Patricia Cobian will join the Openreach Board as BT Group's nominated non-executive director from 1 December 2026, replacing Simon Lowth, who recently retired from BT. Andy MacLeod will also join the Board from the same date. MacLeod brings extensive sector experience, having previously served as Group Chief Networks Officer at Vodafone, Chief Technology Officer at Verizon Wireless, and Chief Operating Officer at both Eircom and Cable & Wireless. The dual appointment strengthens financial oversight and technical expertise on the Board at a critical point in Openreach's infrastructure investment programme.

Jamie Vague to Become Openreach CFO as Matt Davies Departs at Year-End

At executive level, Matt Davies will leave his role as Openreach Chief Financial Officer at the end of December 2026. He will be succeeded by Jamie Vague, currently BT Group FP&A Director, who will also join the Openreach Board in place of Davies. Separately, Openreach's General Counsel, Belinda Bagge, will take on the additional role of Company Secretary following the departure of Jon Furmston. As a legally separate entity from BT Group with its own Board and independent majority membership, Openreach must comply with Ofcom's externally monitored commitments, making the composition and continuity of its leadership particularly significant to the wider UK telecoms market.