BT poaches top Microsoft UK exec

BT has snapped up Microsoft's head of its UK enterprise division as part of plans to boost its IT services business among big blue-chip companies.

Gordon Smillie will leave his role as group director of the enterprise and partner group at Microsoft and join BT in July as managing director of information and communications technology (ICT) services. He will report to Tim Smart, president and CEO of BT Syntegra and president of BT Americas.

BT is hoping to build on recent big services contract wins that include deals with the NHS worth a potential £2.2bn.

Prior to joining Microsoft, Smillie spent ten years with IBM, leaving as industry director, in the government, utilities and telecommunications industry group. He was tipped by some industry observers to land the recently filled role of head of Microsoft's UK business.

BT's Smart said in a statement: "I am delighted that Gordon has chosen to join us in this pivotal role in transforming BT into an ICT services player with IP networking at its heart. Gordon brings with him great experience from the two leading IT services companies in the world."