BT TV CEO resigns

BT has announced that Marc Watson, CEO of BT TV, is to leave the company after seven years.

Watson has led BT’s TV business since 2009 and has been central to BT’s successful negotiations for exclusively live rights for the Barclays Premier League, Aviva Premiership Rugby, the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.

He has also overseen the growth of BT TV and been at the heart of the launch and establishment of BT Sport.

Commenting on the move, Watson said: “I have had a fantastic time at BT, enjoying many years in an amazingly fast and dynamic marketplace. I’m sad to leave but now is the right time for me to take on a fresh challenge.

“I am proud of what we have achieved in BT TV. We have built a top quality TV service from scratch and BT Sport is thriving thanks to the great live sport we’ve secured. I am sure the business will go from strength to strength and I wish everyone at BT well.”

Gavin Patterson, BT Group CEO, added: “Marc has been at the heart of our TV strategy and I am sad to see him leave. He leaves BT TV in good health and we will continue to build on the strong foundations he has helped lay.”

The new candidate will report into John Petter, BT Consumer chief executive.