Hunt is on for new government CIO

The search is on for a new government CIO, following the announcement that Ian Watmore is to be promoted to head of the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit.

The move, effective from 9 January, will see Watmore leading the drive to deliver the PM's top public service priorities - and act as his key adviser on delivery.

Watmore said he was "honoured" to be appointed to the role.

He will continue to report directly to the cabinet secretary, Sir Gus O'Donnell, and will continue to have managerial responsibility for the e-Government Unit. Watmore will also oversee the appointment of his successor as CIO, who will report to him.

A Cabinet Office spokesman said a replacement for Watmore would be discussed at the next CIO Council meeting in early January.

O'Donnell said in a statement: "Ian Watmore is one the civil service's most successful recruits from the private sector. I look forward to him bringing his expertise and vigour to the Delivery Unit.

"Ian's work on the Transformational Government strategy demonstrated his personal commitment to improving public services and a capability to deliver within the Whitehall environment."

Watmore has been government CIO since September 2004 and prior to that he was managing director of Accenture UK from 2000.