A graduate in Mathematics from the University of Manchester, Gerry Pennell’s (UK) initial career developed through software development and project management, including a period in management consultancy.

In 2000, he took the role as Director of Technology for the 17th Commonwealth Games held in Manchester in 2002. This role required the establishment of the technology department, the selection of key suppliers and sponsors and direction of the delivery of the IT and telecommunications for the Games.

After the Games, and prior to joining LOCOG, Gerry was CIO for the Cooperative Financial Services and the Cooperative Group – a £9.5bn turnover group of businesses covering banking, insurance, retail etc. As well as the re-engineering of the internet bank smile and other major implementations, Gerry led an extensive modernisation programme, including the out-sourcing and off-shoring of significant elements of IT.

In November 2008, Gerry joined LOCOG as CIO responsible for the management and delivery of the very substantial technology programme required to stage the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. Gerry was appointed a Member of the Olympic Order in August 2012 and honoured with the award of an OBE in the Queen’s New Years Honours List 2013.

Check out our other 2013 Finalists of the European CIO of the Year Award on www.europeancio2013.com