Co-op IT boss moves to London Olympics

Pennell's experience includes running the IT for the Commonwealth Games in 2002

Gerry Pennell is leaving his role of executive director of business transformation and shared services at Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) to take up a new job as chief information officer for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOGOC) and Paralympic Games of 2012.

Pennell will be responsible for the design, procurement and operation of the technology programme, including before and during the games.

His remit will include the core delivery areas of Telecommunications, Venue Technology Services, Results Technology Services and Business Technology Services.

Pennell's last day at CFS will be on 3 October and his replacement has not yet been announced.

Pennell joined CFS as director of ICT development and delivery in January 2003. Prior to that, he was responsible for developing and managing the IT behind the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002. He has also held senior technology positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Barclays Bank.

"This is a once in a lifetime role. My experience at the Manchester Commonwealth Games was one of my most enjoyable and challenging times in my career, and gave me an insight into the strategies, skills and structures needed for the London 2012 technology brief," said Pennell.

"I'm joining LOCOG at an exciting time, as London officially becomes the next Summer Host City, and I'm looking forward to leading a strong team and delivering a technology solution which underpins a truly memorable Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012," he said.

The news follows the recent announcement that CFS will start its most significant hardware and software refresh, spending £150m and reportedly involving suppliers such as IBM and BT.