TALKTALK APPOINTS NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AMID TEAM SHAKE UP

TalkTalk has announced the appointment of James Smith as its new chief financial officer. The Salford-headquartered communications giant said Mr Smith will join the company in the coming months.

The new CFO has spent the last nine years in the same role at FTSE 250-listed Capricorn Energy, prior to that he had a career in investment banking at Rothschild and Merrill Lynch.

Mr Smith will succeed Jonathan Thackray who leaves TalkTalk after nine years covering several finance roles, latterly as CFO.

Chief executive Tristia Harrison said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming James’s expertise to the TalkTalk team. Our focus on full fibre is resolute and the country has never needed affordable, reliable connectivity more.

We look forward to continued strong performance, with the highest-growing wholesale business in the UK and a unique supplier base spanning both Openreach and a number of altnets.

The business has gone from strength to strength following our acquisition of wholesale platform Virtual1 as well as the consumer bases Origin, SSE Phone and Broadband and taking a major stake in Telecom Acquisitions Ltd.”

Mr Smith added: “I’m looking forward to joining such a unique and trailblazing business. Twenty years challenging the incumbent and delivering the most essential service at great value is a strong record.

The combination of a high-growth wholesale platform with a successful direct consumer and business division is unique in the sector and an exciting place to be.”

TalkTalk has also announced a number of leadership changes and a “streamlined structure to focus on its delivery of affordable full fibre across the UK”.

Current managing director of supply and partnerships Adam Dunlop will also take on leadership of the direct division. He takes on the role following the departure of Jonathan Kini, who will leave the business in April.

TalkTalk has also added two new members to its executive committee. Susie Buckridge, group product, data and analytics director, will lead both the group product and insight and analytics teams.

Lucy Thomas, corporate and regulatory affairs director will also join the executive committee after three years leading communications, policy, regulation, CSR and North West engagement.