Shirine Khoury-Haq, Chief Financial Officer and CEO Life Services at the Co-op, has announced that Bank of England CIO Rob Elsey will be joining the group before the end of the year.
Elsey has been appointed Chief Technology Officer, reporting directly into Khoury-Haq, to drive the group’s digital and technology ambitions, which are a key priority for the Co-op.
On Elsey’s appointment, Shirine Khoury-Haq, said: “The last 16 months have shown us the increasing importance of technology and digital propositions – the role they play in our colleagues’, customers’ and members’ lives is here to stay.
“Also, as part of our ‘Co-operating for a Fairer World’ vision, our digital tools helped us engage with the local causes that most needed our support during the pandemic.
“Rob will play an instrumental part in helping us to maintain and build momentum in our marketplaces, as well as make meaningful differences to the lives of our members and communities.”
Elsey has previously worked with several global brands, including Vodafone, Cable and Wireless and most recently the Bank of England. He has also been previously listed in the top 50 UK CIOs and most influential technology leaders.
As CIO for the Bank of England, Elsey was responsible for Technology, Cybersecurity and Programme Delivery. He led the Bank of England’s progress on establishing new digital practices and modernising their approach to IT, as well as cyber and cloud technologies; boosting operational efficiencies and security. Elsey was integral to launching a transformation of critical national infrastructure supporting payments and to delivering the Bank’s new Data centres.
Before the Bank of England, Elsey was CIO for Vodafone UK, responsible for their UK IT and digital platforms where he oversaw the technology that supported their end-to-end Digital Transformation from customer apps and online through to the in-store experience. Elsey has also spent much of his career in data, from a graduate Data Analyst to leading Business Intelligence internationally for Cable and Wireless.
On his appointment, he said: “The Co-op has always led with its values and is steeped in history. I’m proud to become a part of it.
“This position comes at such an exciting time – both technology and digital products are bringing so much opportunity right now, there’s real potential to develop what the Co-op does for members and customers, as part of delivering its vision.”
Elsey will work closely alongside Director of Enterprise Services Mike Clifford; Director of Technology Platform and Business Partnering Dave Robertson; Chief Product Officer Adam Warburton and Data & Loyalty Director Charlotte Lock, who will continue oversee the Digital Products and Data & Loyalty departments.
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