House of Fraser outsources IT to Infosys - days after former Infosys global head becomes retailer's new CIO

Shake-up coming in House of Fraser IT department as retailer outsources infrastructure and multi-channel development to Infosys

Department store chain House of Fraser is to outsource its IT infrastructure to Infosys just days after it hired former Infosys' global head of technology consulting Uday Kotla as its new CIO. The deal will also see Infosys lead House of Fraser's multichannel developments as it bids to catch up with rivals - such as John Lewis - in online shopping.

This aim of the deal, according to Infosys, is to provide end consumers with a seamless shopping experience, and to improve operational efficiencies and the company's time to market with new initiatives.

"House of Fraser will leverage Infosys' expertise in the retail space, and have access to next-generation technologies such as digital and cloud. In addition, as a globally preferred partner for Sanpower Group, Infosys will work with House of Fraser as it taps into the fast-growing fashion retail market in China; offering its extensive knowledge of local business nuances, access to specialised local talent pools and a collaborative multinational engagement framework," according to Infosys.

"This programme will help us realise faster time to market as we adopt new and advanced technologies to enhance our multichannel business," said Frank Slevin, chairman of House of Fraser. "The benefits from this programme will also enable us to achieve our business goals as we go global. We look forward to building a long-term strategic relationship with Infosys."

The retailer, which has 60 stores across the UK and Ireland, was recently acquired by China's Nanjing Cenbest, which is owned by the Sanpower Group. "This win reinforces our strategy to collaborate with large Chinese conglomerates going global.

"As a globally preferred partner for the Sanpower Group, we will offer new technologies in areas such as digital and cloud across its companies and House of Fraser as it transforms its business," said Rangarajan Vellamore, CEO of Infosys China.