Re Directorate

British Telecommunications PLC 26 April 2001 SIR IAIN VALLANCE HANDS OVER TO SIR CHRISTOPHER BLAND AT BT BT today announced that Sir Iain Vallance will hand over the chairmanship of BT to Sir Christopher Bland with effect from 1 May. Sir Iain will step down as a Board director and will remain with BT as President Emeritus until July 2002. Sir Iain, who is also President of the CBI, joined the Post Office in 1966 and joined the BT Board at its inception in 1981. He played a crucial role in taking BT through privatisation in 1984, became chief executive in 1986 and chairman the following year. He said: ' I have been on the Board of BT for 20 years and its chairman since 1987. During that time BT has grown to be an international company and has moved into the new wave communication sectors of mobile and internet. We have world class technologies and an unparalleled international reputation for our research and development work. BT is a great, resilient company with committed, professional people. For some time now I have felt it right that I should stand down once we could find an able successor. I am delighted we have now done so and I look forward to maintaining my links with BT alongside both Christopher and Peter Bonfield, CE0, with whom I have hugely enjoyed working for more than five years.' Sir Peter Bonfield said: 'Iain's contribution to BT and the industry has been enormous. I thank him for the excellent support he has given me as CEO and look forward to working with Christopher in the next phase of rapid change in our company.' Sir Christopher has been Chairman of the BBC since 1996 and he will remain so until his successor takes up this appointment. Speaking of his new job Sir Christopher said: 'BT is an excellent company operating in a highly competitive sector. I look forward to chairing the Board through the next challenging and exciting period. There are immediate issues to address, notably the impact of a very dynamic marketplace on the strategic priorities of the company; managing for cash and realising value for assets in the context of the current levels of debt. 'I look forward to working with Peter Bonfield and his executive team, and I am pleased that Iain Vallance will remain with the company as President Emeritus' ------------- Inquiries about this news release should be made to the BT Group Newsroom on its 24-hour number: 020 7356 5369. From outside the UK, dial + 44 20 7356 5369. All news releases can be accessed at our web site: http://www.bt.com

Companies

BT Group (BT.A)
UK 100

Latest directors dealings