London Olympics gets new CIO

A CIO has been appointed to deliver the technology behind the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Former Co-operative Financial Services executive Gerry Pennell will design, procure and run the technology programme before and during the games.

Pennell's responsibilities will include delivering the games' telecommunications, business technology services and the tech underpinning the venue and results.

Read all about IT…

Check out the Editor's Blog for the silicon.com chief's take on the hot tech issues of the moment.

Before joining Co-op FS as executive director of business transformation and shared services, Gerry was director of technology for the Manchester Commonwealth Games, where he designed and delivered the Games' IT.

Pennell will join the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in November, and report to CEO Paul Deighton.

Pennell said in a statement: "This is a once in a lifetime role. My experience at the Manchester Commonwealth Games was one of my most enjoyable and challenging times in my career, and gave me an insight into the strategies, skills and structures needed for the London 2012 technology brief."

Pennell will work closely with BT, Nortel, ATOS Origin, Omega, Panasonic and Samsung, the London 2012 technology partners.