8th Mar 2021 08:42
(Alliance News) - BT Group PLC on Monday noted a recent Sky News article and said the suggestion that outgoing Chair Jan du Plessis impeded the transformation of the group is "without foundation".
The FTSE 100-listed telecommunications firm said last Monday du Plessis intends to retire as chair this year once a successor has been found. He joined as a non-executive director in June 2017 and was appointed chair in November 2017.
Sky News, citing people close to the company, reported on Friday that BT Chief Executive Philip Jansen indicated he was prepare to resign unless du Plessis was replaced by a chair who could accelerate change at the company.
BT on Monday said du Plessis "demonstrated strong leadership of the company" throughout his tenure, as well as being "extremely supportive of management".
"Any suggestion that he has impeded the transformation of BT is without foundation," said BT, adding that there has been no "misalignment" between the board and executive management over the company's strategy.
"BT is a fantastic company and it is a huge privilege and responsibility to be its chairman. But after 17 years of demanding roles as chairman of significant FTSE companies, I know the time is now right for me to step down and focus on other interests. Until I hand over to my successor, I remain fully committed to BT and helping Philip continue to deliver for all our customers, colleagues and shareholders," said du Plessis last Monday.
Shares in BT Group were down 1.5% at 139.28 pence in London on Monday.
By Zoe Wickens; [email protected]
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