Julian Ashworth is the Group Director of Policy Strategy for BT responsible for leading the development of group-wide industry policy strategy across a broad range of priorities in media, internet and infrastructure. In addition to these responsibilities, he leads the strategic development of incubating businesses within BT Group Strategy most recently focused on Energy Management, Smart Communities and Smart Payments. Outside BT, he is board member for TECHUK (the industry association for the UK technology industry), The Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA), Internet Matters (a not-for-profit organization focused on the promotion on online safety for young and vulnerable individuals), the British Screen Advisory Council (BSAC) and the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS).
Julian was previously the Chief Strategy Officer for Reed Elsevier, a FTSE 30 company and leading global online media player. In this role he was responsible for strategic planning, strategic marketing and corporate development. Julian established and led the Reed Elsevier Global Centres of Excellence for Innovation, Pricing and Customer Insight in order to drive its transformation from print publisher to digital marketer.
Prior to joining Reed Elsevier Julian was with Centrica plc, the FTSE 30 owner of British Gas. He led the strategy and business development to architect their expansion into North America creating a $10bn business today. Over his time he held various roles in North America including Head of Strategy, VP of New Product Development and Consumer Commercial Director.
Prior to joining Centrica, Julian was a strategy consultant with Bain & Company working out of the London office, serving clients across Europe in the hi-tech and consumer sectors.
Mr Ashworth is originally from Montreal and holds both Canadian and British citizenship. He earned his honours degree in Economics and Finance from York University in Toronto and an MBA from the London Business School.