Marc Watson, the CEO of BT TV, is to leave BT after seven years. In a statement, the telco said he was leaving “to explore new opportunities outside the company.
Watson has headed the former BT Vision since 2009 and was a key player in BT’s entrance into the sports market, leading negotiations for live rights to Barclays Premier League, Aviva Premiership Rugby, the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
Commenting on his departure, 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 said: “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”.
Watson joined as commercial director in 2006 and became CEO of BT Vision in 2009 on the departure of Dan Marks.
