'Taking this time to be with my family is invaluable': Temporary leadership change as director of Openreach Northern Ireland takes leave

Openreach Northern Ireland has announced a temporary leadership change as director Garret Kavanagh takes family leave to spend time with his growing family.

During his leave, Lauren McGaughey based in Belfast will step into the role of acting director for Openreach NI, the largest provider of broadband infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

This move reflects Openreach’s strong commitment to promoting a positive work-life balance across all levels of the business – a value embodied in the company’s enhanced family leave policy, which offers all new parents 18 weeks at full pay, eight weeks at half pay, and 26 weeks at the statutory rate.

“Taking this time to be with my family is invaluable,” said Garret Kavanagh. “I’m grateful for the support of my team and proud to work in a business that encourages its leaders to embrace family commitments without hesitation. The strategy and purpose we’ve built at Openreach NI remains in full motion – and I know Lauren will continue to drive it forward.”

Garret, who has overseen a transformative period of network expansion, played a key role in Openreach NI’s ambitious extension of its Full Fibre rollout. Under his leadership, the company recently announced it had successfully reached 90 per cent coverage in its rollout of Full Fibre broadband, through its significant commercial investment in coverage – all without the need for additional government funding.

Now, the baton passes to Lauren McGaughey, a seasoned leader with over a decade’s experience within Openreach and BT Group. Her appointment as Acting Director marks a natural step in her progression.

“Stepping into this role has been an incredible learning experience,” said Lauren. “I’m excited for the challenges ahead and proud to be part of a business that champions development and trust at every level. Openreach’s Full Fibre build is central to Northern Ireland’s digital future and economic growth – and I’m ready to lead the next stage of that journey.”

With a background in network and commercial operations, Lauren brings deep insight and proven leadership to the role.

At Openreach, connecting people to the things that matter most – including family – is central to the company’s purpose. This leadership transition exemplifies Openreach’s belief that work-life balance should be accessible at all levels, including the very top.

As the build to a future-proof Full Fibre network continues, the company’s goal remains the same: to keep Northern Ireland connected, ensuring homes and businesses are ready for the digital demands of tomorrow.

Find out more at openreach.com/fibre-checker