Nationwide names BT Openreach chief as new boss

Joe Garner, the chief executive of BT Openreach, is set to become the new boss of Nationwide.
BT Openreach boss Joe Garner is set to become the new chief executive of Nationwide. Picture: Johnnie Pakington/PA WireBT Openreach boss Joe Garner is set to become the new chief executive of Nationwide. Picture: Johnnie Pakington/PA Wire
BT Openreach boss Joe Garner is set to become the new chief executive of Nationwide. Picture: Johnnie Pakington/PA Wire

He is due to take up his new role in the spring, succeeding Graham Beale, who announced his intention to leave Nationwide earlier this year.

BT has begun the process of recruiting a new boss for Openreach, the company’s fixed-line telephone and broadband network.

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Garner said the opportunity to become chief executive of “one of Britain’s most important financial institutions” was too good to turn down.

He added: “In my view, it is BT’s investment that has helped the UK to become one of the strongest digital economies in the world and I am proud to have contributed.

“Openreach is now poised to take the UK from a superfast to an ultrafast nation and I am confident it can achieve this as part of the BT family. I wish my successor at Openreach and everyone there and at BT all the best for the future.”

Beale has held the role of Nationwide chief executive since 2007 and been with the building society for 30 years.

Nationwide chairman David Roberts said: “Nationwide is the UK’s largest mutual building society and our vision is to be the stand-out retail financial services provider in the eyes of consumers. As a member-owned organisation, our sole focus is to deliver exceptional products and services to our members at every stage of their lives.

“Joe has an excellent track record in delivering outstanding service to customers across the financial services and retail sectors, and is a passionate advocate that financial services organisations should always put the customer first.”