Criminal Justice IT chief is appointed new government CIO

John Suffolk steps into Ian Watmore's shoes, to take charge of government IT programmes

John Suffolk

John Suffolk, the current Director General of Criminal Justice, is to be the new government CIO .

Suffolk, who has held the DG position since February 2004, will take responsibility for the technology component of UK public services reform.

An IT veteran with a CV stretching back over 25 years including a stint as IT director at the Britannia Building Society, Suffolk will report in to Ian Watmore, the previous holder of the post and now Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit.

His appointment could help quell discontent over the recent closure of the National High-Tech Crime Unit.

Suffolk’s appointment was welcomed by technology industry trade group Intellect.

“We believe this appointment will ensure that government and suppliers will continue to work closely together to deliver successful IT-enabled business change programmes,” said Intellect director general John Higgins.

In his spare time, Suffolk helps run a farm for rare breeds.