Neil Cameron CIO50 2009

At Unilever Neil Cameron is responsible for a 2,700-strong global IT department, 85,000 desktops and an annual IT budget of around €800m. A key priority during his time there has been the 'One Unilever' programme to streamline and simplify the organisation.

Cost-cutting continues as a key focus for the CIO, who has set aggressive efficiency targets for his department in recent years.

Cameron was brought in as Unilever's first ever dedicated CIO in 2003 from drinks giant Diageo, and was one of the company's most senior external appointments for years.

Cameron had harboured more artistic ambitions but opted instead to start on the IT career ladder at RHM Management Services in 1973.

Following a series of management roles at Dixons, AerLingus and IBM, Cameron joined Marks & Spencer in 1987 and climbed the ladder to become CIO for the retailer's US business where he led a major change programme, replacing all their core systems.

In 1999 Cameron became global IS director at Guinness and was appointed CIO for Diageo the following year.

Externally Cameron is also a non-executive director of Which?, and a board member of IT industry skills body e-skills UK and The Research Board. He plays golf and swims and is also a keen woodworker.