Nick Speed has been announced as BT Group’s new public affairs director for Wales. He takes over from Alwen Williams, who left BT in January to work for digital network business Openreach.

Nick will lead BT Group's relationships with Welsh policy makers and will sit on BT’s board in Wales. He joins BT from energy company Centrica, where he has been head of public affairs for Wales since 2012. Before that, he worked as a journalist, including spells as political editor at both ITV Wales and the Western Mail.

Commenting on the new role, Nick Speed said:

“I'm really looking forward to be taking up this role with BT. It’s a household name with a long history and an exciting future. BT Group is at the cutting edge of innovative technologies, with nearly 4,500 employees in Wales helping to develop and deliver a range of products and services.

“I look forward to start working with colleagues to find out how we can help make customers’ lives easier, deliver increasing benefits for businesses, and help Wales develop as a world class, digital nation.”

Welcoming the appointment, Jane Wood, BT Group director of UK nations and regions, said:

“I look forward to working with Nick when he joins the business. His knowledge of government and policy-making in Wales will be a huge asset to the company.

“BT Group contributes more than £900m to the Welsh economy and plays an important role in the lives of everyone living and working in Wales, from handling 999 calls, to connecting communities. I know that Nick will build on our existing relationships, helping to lead and shape the public policy debate on improved digital services in Wales.”