When two become one...
By Tim Ferguson
Published: 30 September 2008 13:17 GMT
HSBC is combining its CIO and Group COO roles into a single position, a move that comes as the bank unites technology and global operations in the hunt for cost savings.
The international banking group has appointed current CIO, Ken Harvey, into the newly created role of chief technology and services officer.
Harvey will assume the new post on 1 October and report directly to chief executive, Michael Geoghegan.
Geoghegan said by combining tech and global operations, the bank can create cost efficiencies.
A spokesman for the bank added: "By bringing together IT and operations, we can further enhance the customer experience of HSBC and at the same time improve the efficiency with which we do that. For example, by standardising platforms and simplifying process interfaces, there will be more time to train staff in the softer skills in addressing customer needs."
Harvey joined HSBC in 1989 and became CIO in 2004, assuming responsibility for an annual IT budget of almost $5bn and developing and implementing the bank's tech strategy. Harvey was also voted into silicon.com's CIO50 in 2007.
Current Group COO of HSBC Holdings, David Hodgkinson, will retire at the end of the year after a 39-year career.
In other news, HSBC recently boosted its green credentials by achieving an excellent rating from the Building Research Establishment's Breeam Certification for its new data centre in North London.
Ongoing analysis of BI to recommend improvements and efficiencies through existing applications or recommending new applications. Comfortable to ...
Ensures correct controls are in place for executionKPI and SLA delivery responsible for program specific rules and policiesChange management ...
The IT Director will advise senior management and users on future opportunities for the use of technology in achieving the organisation's mission of ...
Agenda Setters 2009
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.
Stories from the web...
Copyright © 2008 CBS Interactive Limited. All rights reserved. Top of page
Nick Beecham and Belinda Doshi
No more tax breaks for offshoring?
Financial services firms must prepare now for 2010 legal changes
Tim Ferguson
On a new Voyager, tackling fraud and the intellectual challenge
Interview: Nationwide IT director, Peter Stafford
Nick Heath
David Lister on smart grids and why he left RBS
Interview: National Grid CIO
Andy Jones
Why banks will push ahead with offshoring
Comment: Even if they don't want to
Catherine Stagg-Macey
Legacy IT holding back insurers
Comment: Economic crisis means finance giants must step lively
Julian Goldsmith
The City fund manager with no IT department
Q&A: How asset management is embracing the cloud...