Mobile telecommunications group O2 has appointed competition head Justine Campbell as its new general counsel, after Phillip Bramwell took the top legal job at BAE Systems.

Campbell will move into the new role of divisional general counsel, and her first priority will be to oversee the smooth integration of O2 and Spanish telecoms group Telefonica after their merger this year.

Bramwell said: “It’s a much purer legal role. We’re very fortunate to have great continuity. She’s a natural successor to the role and will do extremely well.”

Bramwell will replace BAE legal head Michael Lester at the start of 2007, but joins the company in November to prepare for his new post.

“During the first few weeks I’ll be travelling internationally, getting to know BAE’s business across the world,” said Bramwell.