BT today said chief executive Ben Verwaayen will step down at the end of May after more than six years in the post.His position will be taken by Ian Livingston, who is currently chief executive of BT's retail arm.

BT today said chief executive Ben Verwaayen will step down at the end of May after more than six years in the post.

His position will be taken by Ian Livingston, who is currently chief executive of BT's retail arm.

BT chairman Sir Mike Rake described Mr Verwaayen as an "exceptional" chief executive and said he had transformed BT from a "deeply troubled' organisation into a thriving business.