Executive search firm Russell Reynolds says public sector bodies across Europe are taking advantage of the current climate to upgrade their CIO teams with talent from companies in the most extreme turmoil, such as financial services institutions.

Here's our round-up of movers in the public sector and elsewhere:

Public sector prime movers

The USA's first CIO, Vivek Kundra, has outlined his vision. He plans to make federal agencies IT innovators and use smart phone technologies to create a more transparent government.

Andrew Stott, formerly deputy CIO for the UK Government, is moving to a new 120,000 per year post of director of digital engagement, a shift that is seen as reflecting the growing importance of the world of social media and data mashing.

CIO wanted

The UK's Ministry of Justice is advertising for a CIO to lead its 1,100-strong IT departments. The new CIO is expected to push towards shared services integration and system simplification in return for a salary of 160,000 plus benefits.

Other movers and shakers

Germany

Dr Thomas Tribius has been appointed CIO of Otto Group, the world's second-largest mail order company after Amazon. He previously spent time at Bertelsmann Group and, more recently, as CIO for Axel Springer AG.

The Netherlands

Jappe Blaauw has been appointed CIO and senior VP information services for KLM/Air France, moving into the role after being VP of procurement.
Gerben Otter has moved to become group CIO at Pearle Europe, after nine years with sporting goods manufacturer adidas-Group.

Russia

Pavel Pestryakov, previously deputy CEO and a member of the board of directors of the Forth Wholesale Generative Company, has been appointed CIO of Alfa Group Consortium. He is in charge of elaboration and implementation of IT standards across Alfa Group.

Switzerland

Leon Schumacher has succeeded Jim Barrington as group CIO of Novartis. He was previously at Arcelor Mittal in Chicago, where he held the position of CIO.
Ed Granger-Happ has added UK responsibilities to his existing role and is now CIO over both Save the Children USA and UK.

Sweden

Ron Louks replaces CTO Mats Lindoff, who has left Sony Ericsson. Louks currently holds the dual roles of head of technology, Americas, and deputy CTO.

UK

John Lister has taken over as CIO at Specsavers after the retirement of Michel Khan. Previously, Lister worked as CIO of BUPA and as European CIO of Tesco.
Kevin Gallagher, who was bformerly Channel 4's head of applications delivery, is to succeed outgoing CIO Ian Dobb, who left the broadcaster in June.

Illustration: Paul Wearing