Ben Verwaayen has stepped down as chief executive of BT Group after more than six years in the role, the company has announced.

Sir Mike Rake, the company's chairman, paid tribute to Verwaayen's work restoring BT's reputation and overseeing rapid change, particularly in broadband internet.

During his tenure the number of homes using broadband through BT's network has increased vastly. Allowing other internet providers to use the network via the company's Openreach scheme - albeit through regulatory necessity - has created a highly competitive market.

Television service BT Vision, which combines a DSL connection with Freeview access, has also been launched and signed up more than 150,000 subscribers.

“Ben has been an exceptional CEO whose courage and leadership has transformed BT from being a deeply troubled organisation into a thriving business with global capability and a clear strategy for the future," said Sir Mike.

"Ben has done more than anyone else to make Britain the most competitive broadband market in the world. He has been instrumental in restoring pride in BT. Everyone in the company owes him a huge debt of gratitude and wishes him well for the future."

Verwaayen said he felt it was the right time to leave. "I have had six exciting years and I am extremely proud of the people in BT," he said. "Without them the company’s recent success would not have been possible.

"I owe a particular debt of gratitude to the executive directors who have served alongside me on the Board. Francois Barrault and Hanif Lalani have made a magnificent contribution. They are outstanding leaders."

Verwaayen will be succeeded by Ian Livingston, currently BT Retail chief executive, on June 1.

Livingston said: "BT is a great company with a strong history and an even more exciting future. I am very proud to have been chosen as its next CEO."