Ordnance Survey CTO resigns

Ordnance Survey's chief technology officer Ed Parsons has resigned to pursue "new challenges" in the geographic information industry.

Parsons joined OS in 2001 to develop the organisation's IT strategy and lead research labs, and was instrumental in moving its focus from just mapping to the creation of geographic information.

Most recently he announced plans for OS to open up some of its proprietary software code for mapping, to allow software developers to create Google Maps-style mash-ups. The OpenSpace project will give individuals access to OS' mapping data and allow them to develop non-commercial applications with Google Maps-style features such as the click-and-drag 'slippy' map, markers and info bubbles.

Parsons declined to comment on speculation that he was leaving because of a fall out with OS over its future IT strategy but said he was sorry to be leaving a group of very committed geographic-information professionals.

In a post on his blog he said: "OS will I hope change over the next few years to hopefully better serve the needs of its customers - the citizens of Great Britain, and provide them greater access to the best geospatial data in the world."

A statement from OS said Parsons is keen to develop more innovative areas of the geographic information industry and that his decision to leave comes as the organisation is focusing on a period of consolidation in its strategic IT development and direction.

Vanessa Lawrence, director general and CEO of OS, said: "We wish Ed every success for the next stage of his career and offer him sincere thanks for his contribution to the direction of our IT development and research activities."

In other executive news, Phil Young, head of IT and operations at Amtrak Express Parcels, has also resigned and will leave the company in March.

Separately price comparison website moneysupermarket.com has created a new CTO role. The post will be filled by Ron Scurr who has 23 years' technology experience and joins from Halifax Bank of Scotland where he was one of the bank's heads of IT.

The company has created the post due to its rapid growth and ambitious targets. Scurr will be responsible for the large-scale expansion and restructuring of moneysupermarket.com's IT department, and for technological innovation.

Scurr said in a statement: "This is a great opportunity and a challenge I'm looking forward to. My primary responsibility is to allow the business efficient control of its advanced IT functions and deliver the development needed to meet and exceed the business goals for the year and beyond."