Gavin Patterson was appointed Chief Executive BT Group in September 2013. He is leading the fastest rollout of superfast broadband in the world with aims to reach 95% of the UK by 2017, as well as the proposed acquisition of EE which will create the UK’s leading converged communications provider.
He joined BT in 2004, becoming CEO BT Retail and joining the BT board in 2008. Under his leadership, BT Retail cemented its market-leading position launching BT Infinity fibre broadband, driving growth in IT services and building the largest Wi-Fi network in the UK and Ireland. Prior to this Gavin was at Telewest and Procter and Gamble.Gavin is currently a Non-Executive Director, British Airways and Trustee of The British Museum.
1. What’s your current position?
I’m the Chief Executive of BT Group. As a global communications services company we’re enabling the digital future both in the UK and beyond. We bring together the best networks and technology with the expertise of our people, to enable businesses to grow, communities to thrive, and individuals to get more out of life.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
I love it when colleagues tell me they’re proud to work for BT. The connectivity we provide plays an essential role in modern society. Our people recognise that and use their skills and energies to make positive impact in their communities and areas of social need every day. When purpose is strong in your organisation, your ability to achieve what you set out to do is transformed.
3. What inspires you?
I get inspiration from so many places. Watching what people are doing and drawing on the wealth of talent around me. Listening to customers and analysing competitors. Conversations with people from different backgrounds and industries continue to help me shape and formulate ideas.
4. What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
To be honest obstacles tend to spur me on, make me want to achieve. There was no sixth form at my school and I think only three of us from my year went on to university. For me you have to find something with meaning. So keep searching for work what matters to you, and when you find it, do it with everything you’ve got.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My parents. Their combined work ethic and drive, along with entrepreneurial flair is something that has definitely influenced me. My Father sparked my first interest in business. He was a lecturer in management and conversations with him gave me my first taste.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
It has to be the potential to grow the business. The opportunity to lead BT into new domains. We can already see this happening across the organisation with some of our investments such as BT Sport, BT TV, fibre, mobility, IT services and our international opportunities as well.
7. And the worst?
Letting customers down. It’s happening less and less, but of course the ideal is that it never happens. We have a huge focus on improving customer experience, because we recognise how important our technology, products and services are to our customer’s lives and businesses.
8. What are your long term goals?
To be a good husband, good father and to make time for friends. I’ve never had a grand plan. When I was at university I had my own business. Since then, I’ve found if I focus on what I’m doing right now and not worry too much about what’s next, then actually, another challenge will often present itself.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I’d make tech literacy a priority in schools, just like literacy and numeracy. Tech is interwoven into every single aspect of our lives, how we work, socialise, learn. Yet there’s a shortage of tech skills in the UK. BT will play a huge part in building a culture of tech literacy for the nation.
10. If you were marooned on a desert Island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
I’d say Bill Shankly, Liverpool Football Club’s legendary manager. He took the club to so many victories. I’d want to know his take on being successful. And of course, if we’re on a desert island there’s going to be a lot of time to fill. Talking football would make the time fly by.
