New president takes the reins at Socitm

Richard Steel has been named president of the Society of Information Technology Management (Socitm), the professional association for public sector IT managers.

Newham Borough Council's CIO was confirmed in the role at the society's AGM held at the British Library.

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Steel has been at Newham Council since 1989 and previously worked for Morgan Grenfell (now Deutsche Bank). He is also a member of the Identity and Passport Service local government advisory board.

Writing on the Socitm president's blog on Thursday, Steel said: "I also feel honoured to now be president of such a well-respected organisation that has achieved so much in its history, and optimistic about our future."

Steel replaces head of information services at Belfast City Council, Rose Crozier, as president. Jos Creese, chair of research group Socitm Insight, was elected as third vice president alongside Steve Hopson and Steve Palmer.

Socitm recently formed the local government CIO council to represent the interests of local governments to the main CIO Council.