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BT hires EDS exec to run Global Services
08 January 2010
Former EDS executive Jeff Kelly is taking over from former BT group CFO Hanif Lalani at the top of BT Global Services
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[BT]
[Global Services]
[EDS]
[HP]
[Hewlett-Packard]
Comment: According to BT, Global Services has emerged from the condition that it was found to be in at the end of 2008, when Hanif Lalani was sent in to clear up the mess. Kelly undoubtedly knows the business that BT wants Global Services to be in — but it’s surprising that the group hasn’t been able to retain Lalani at a senior level.
BT has hired former EDS executive Jeff Kelly to run its IT services operation, BT Global Services, after the surprise departure of current CEO Hanif Lalani.
Lalani — the former group CFO who was put into Global Services in October 2008 after BT discovered serious financial problems — will be pursuing his “personal business interests”, says BT. He leaves in March after a handover period with Kelly, who starts immediately.
Kelly worked for IT services group EDS — now absorbed into Hewlett-Packard — for 25 years, spending time running its General Motors account worldwide and finally running its Americas business.
He said about his new employer: “I know from experience that Global Services enjoys a terrific reputation for its customer service and client base. My job is to build on those foundations and create a business that delivers value to BT’s shareholders as well as its customers.”
BT CEO Ian Livingston said about Lalani: “Hanif took over as CEO of Global Services at a difficult time for the division. He and his team firstly stabilised and then started to turn around the business delivering significantly improved financial results and world class customer service. We are very grateful to Hanif for his hard work in achieving this.” GTB