IT Week's IT leader profile: Ged Bell

What does your job entail?
I am responsible for IT strategy development, implementation and management across all areas of Dundee City Council. This includes IT provision across all council services including schools. I
also have a growing role in supporting city-wide economic development by promoting and enhancing Dundee’s digital infrastructure.

What was your first job?
Apprentice electronics technician with NCR, where I worked on the first generation of cash machines.

If you weren’t in the IT sector, what would you be doing?
I can’t think of any profession I would rather be in. Chief information officers have a unique position in the business where they see everything that’s going on and are vital to any improvement or growth strategy.

Which IT qualifications or courses have proved most useful to you, or would you be interested in achieving?
My MBA, which I got at the grand old age of 40, has helped me to gain credibility at the top table. It means I can contribute to the wider business focus, and am not just regarded as the IT guy.

How often do you check your BlackBerry?
Too often, but never in meetings ­ that would be rude.

What is the most ridiculous support request you’ve had from a user?
A user complained that she pressed F1 for help on the keyboard three days ago and no one had turned up yet.

What has been the most overhyped technology in the past five years?
Not so much hyped, but I have yet to see a convincing business model for municipal Wi-Fi that has long-term sustainability.