BT and EE reveal integrated Business Partner Channel team

BT has released details of how its channel businesses will be merged with EE as the acquisition agreement between the two companies draws to a close.

BT's Business Partner Channel will be responsible for selling its fibre broadband, voice telephony, mobile packages and devices, and IT services to businesses and the public sector via its 40 direct channel partners.

Steve Rathbone will head up the team as director, transitioning from his role of sales director of BT's small and medium enterprises division. His experience of leading a 1,200-person sales team lends well to the role, in addition to previous expertise spanning sales, product and service management both in the UK and internationally.

EE's head of channel, George Sebastian, will be joining Rathbone as GM of partner sales. While Rathbone's role will involve building a partner channel, Sebastian will be tasked with keeping the sales team in check to maximise sales.

EE's Nigel Dean, previously the head of indirect business sales, will become GM of business development and Liz King will focus on leading the end-to-end lifecycle experience for BT's indirect partners and customers to help build loyalty, in her role as GM of partner experience.

The final management position was awarded to Andy Kelly, who will ensure BT's future strategy is evolving in line with the rest of the industry as head of transformation.

In total, the BT Business Partner Channel will comprise a 100-strong team, with roles in sales, marketing and other areas, to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible for channel partners and customers.