Williams joins from BHP, a major global mining and resource company, with more than 80,000 people worldwide. As BHP’s chief people officer, she was a member of the Executive Leadership Team, with responsibility for all aspects of its people, culture and capability strategies. 

“Athalie is a passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity, and led BHP towards its goal of achieving gender balance,” a BT Group statement said.

Before BHP, Williams spent 14 years leading complex business transformation, technology and change programmes as an organisation strategy and change management consultant at Accenture.

Group CEO Philip Jansen said: “I’d like to use this opportunity to thank Debbie White who has led the HR team for the past year. Debbie has brought great experience to my leadership team, helping us make real progress across some key programmes. She will leave a lasting impact on BT.” 

Williams will relocate to London with her husband Tim. She will officially start from 1 December and will be a member of the Group Executive Committee.

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