BT’s Global Services UK chief executive Royston Hoggarth (left) will become Hays’ UK & Ireland managing director on 1 October.

Hoggarth, who has also been appointed to the Hays Management Board, succeeds Tim Cook in the UK & Ireland’s MD role. Cook will be appointed head of business innovation, a newly created position, and will remain on the group’s Management Board.

Alistair Cox, Hays CEO, said: “In the UK & Ireland, Hays remains focused on building its market share and further driving efficiencies, and we look forward to seeing Royston build on the strong foundations that Tim has put in place and lead the business into the next cycle of growth.”

Cox praised Cook (right) for his leadership in strengthening market position and remaining profitable during the recession. In Cook’s new role, he will be responsible for ensuring that the group is able to “maximise fully the opportunities our new business and IT systems offer us”, Cox said.

Hoggarth has also held chief executive roles for Logica’s international operations and Cable & Wireless’s UK, US and European businesses.