He is currently Information and Communications (ICT) Director for CFS and acting Director of Information Systems for the Co-operative Group

Gerry Pennell, aged 45, joined CFS in January 2003 as Director of ICT Development and Delivery having previously held senior positions with Barclay's Bank and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He was also responsible for successfully directing the programme to develop, establish and operate all technology support for the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002. He was appointed acting Director of Systems for the Co-operative Group in January this year.

Gerry Pennell said: "My appointment will enable IT within both organisations to work more closely together for the benefit of both CFS and the Co-operative Group."