Marc Watson to leave BT

Marc Watson, CEO of BT TV, is to leave BT after seven years to explore new opportunities outside the company. 

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 overseen the growth of BT TV, a service enjoyed by more than 950,000 homes, and been at the heart of the launch and establishment of BT Sport, home of the UK’s newest and freshest sports channels. 
Speaking today, 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.” 

John Petter, BT Consumer Chief Executive praised Watson saying “I would like to thank Marc for helping us bring BT TV to a large audience and for helping us to launch BT Sport with the very best live sporting action including top tier football, rugby, tennis and MotoGP rights. He leaves with our best wishes for the future”. 

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 search for a new Managing Director of BT TV & Sport is well underway with BT considering external as well as internal candidates. An appointment will be made in due course and the successful candidate will report into John Petter, BT Consumer Chief Executive.