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Huawei UK chairman Lord Browne steps down with vendor’s fate imminent

Paul Lipscombe
July 14, 2020

A decision on Huawei’s role in the UK’s 5G is expected later today

Huawei’s UK chairman Lord Browne of Madingley is to step down from his role early as the vendor faces a government ban.

The former BP boss will step down from his position in September, six months earlier than initially planned.

His departure comes as a decision is expected on Huawei’s role in supplying 5G kit by the government imminently.

Huawei has confirmed his earlier than anticipated departure in a statement.

“When Lord Browne became Chairman of Huawei UK’s board of directors in 2015, he brought with him a wealth of experience which has proved vital in ensuring Huawei’s commitment to corporate governance in the UK.

“He has been central to our commitment here dating back 20 years, and we thank him for his valuable contribution.”

Imminent

The culture secretary Oliver Dowden is expected to make a final decision on Huawei’s involvement later today.

Last week (July 9) both Vodafone and BT warned an immediate Huawei ban infrastructure ban will lead to blackouts.

BT Group chief technology and information officer Howard Watson told the Parliamentary Committee that “five-years, ideally seven” would be needed to remove Huawei completely without widespread disruption.

While Vodafone UK head of networks Andrea Dona added: “It would be highly disruptive for our customers and their businesses.

“The swap involves taking out the equipment at a mast and switching off these signals at these masts and this will result in the signal being down in these areas.

Financials

Despite the uncertainty around Huawei and its challenges around Google, the vendor has announced revenue is up 13.1 per cent.

Huawei posted revenue of £51.87 billion for the first half of 2020, while net profit margin grew 9.2pc.

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