Adam Crozier, chairman of BT, said: “The board is delighted to have appointed Allison as our new chief executive. She is a proven leader, with deep sector experience and a history of having transformed businesses.
“I look forward to supporting her as we drive our long-term strategy to transform BT Group, ensuring it delivers for all our stakeholders.”
Mr Jansen will continue as chief executive until the end of January at the latest and will be available to support the handover until the end of March.
Mr Jansen, who has led BT since early 2019, intends to retire from executive life.
Ms Kirkby will be in line for an annual cash allowance and a long-term share plan, and will be required to build a shareholding in BT worth £5.5m within five years.
She said: “I’m incredibly honoured to have been appointed as the next chief executive of BT Group.
“Having been a member of the BT Group board for the past four years, I’m fully supportive of our strategy and am excited about leading it into its next phase of development, as we grow to support customers, shareholders and the UK economy.
