BT boss Ian Livingston faces tough calls
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TO the victor, the spoils. For Ian Livingston, lean, eager and still only 43,
that meant celebrating with a double fried-egg sandwich at the caf%26eacute; around
the corner from his office last Wednesday morning.
In fairness, it wasnt much of a battle to be crowned the next chief executive
of BT, certainly not as tough as fighting for broadband customers, which
Livingston has had to do for the past three years as head of the companys
retail arm. He was the white-hot favourite to replace Ben Verwaayen, the
Dutchman he has worked alongside for six years, so it was just a question of
when he took over.
I am very pleased,%26rdquo; said Livingston with his distinctive Glasgow burr. Until
these things are announced they feel a little bit intangible.%26rdquo;
Investors will welcome the change. Many were keen for a fresh pair of eyes %26ndash;
and a details man %26ndash; to pore over the companys strategy. Verwaayen played a
leading role in paving the way for Broadband Britain %26ndash; not least by striking
a deal to open up BTs network fairly to competitors %26ndash; but now the company
faces bumps in the road.
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