House of Fraser reinstates IT director role with new appointment

New technology boss will report directly to the chief financial officer

Gray: "We need to be at the top of our game"

House of Fraser has reinstated the IT director role, following its decision to give board responsibility for IT to the finance director two years ago.

Former director of IT services Duncan Gray has been appointed to the position, and will have responsibility for all aspects of IT, development and support. He will report directly to the firm's chief financial officer.

According to House of Fraser, the appointment of retail veteran Gray will enable a closer alignment of technology with business needs.

Under the new structure, House of Fraser hopes to achieve a more integrated approach to the provision of IT support. To that end, the firm has established four new teams dedicated to "strengthening and maximising synergies" between its operations and support functions.

“Our aim is to be the UK and Ireland’s premium department store and we need to be at the top of our game. The changes to our IT department mean that House of Fraser will have a more competitive IT capability, further enhancing our customer services and trade relations," said Gray.

"I am very much looking forward to taking on this new role and working with the team.”

In 2007, House of Fraser scrapped the IT director role after Gray's predecessor Frank Berridge announced his retirement.