BT director of people and policy Caroline Waters is to leave the telecoms giant in January after 34 years with the company.

Waters, well known as a thought leader and conference speaker within the HR world, is to take up a portfolio career on 1 April 2013, following a period of gardening leave.

A BT statement says: “Her passion for people and creating a level playing field for all, has been instrumental in BT becoming a leader in diversity. We would like to thank Caroline for her extraordinary contribution to BT and wish her every success for the future.”