ASX-listed Super Retail Group has appointed John Lewis’ former head of IT delivery, Paul Hayes, as its new CIO. The organisation has been without a CIO since Alan Hesketh resigned in August 2014 after four-and-a-half years in the role. Since then a number of senior IT staff have reported directly to the CEO, Peter Birtles, a company spokesperson said. Hayes had been a member of John Lewis’ senior leadership team since 2006, and played a major role in the transformation of the retailer’s IS delivery services and digital platform, Super Retail Group said on Monday afternoon. Prior to this role, Hayes was a senior consultant at IBM, leading multi-million dollar projects for retailers such as Tesco, Argos, and Woolworths. Hayes will now lead the retailer’s IS team and operations with responsibility for implementing innovative and cost-effective technologies. He will also develop the group’s long-term information systems and digital roadmap, including ongoing data security enhancements, the retailer said. Hayes said Super Retail Group’s commitment to digital innovation played a critical role in his move from the UK. “Super Retail Group has clear vision of where it wants to go in an omni-channel world and the role of technology in supporting that, which is rare in the retail sector internationally,” he said. “The demands of the digital retail marketplace require an agile, efficient and cost-effective IT foundation if we are to successfully equip the business for an evolving retail future. “I’m looking forward to being part of the journey at Super Retail Group at what is a pivotal time for the retail sector worldwide.” Super Retail Group’s core brands include Amart Sports, BCF Boating Camping Fishing, Supercheap Auto, Rays, and Rebel. Follow CIO Australia on Twitter and Like us on Facebook… Twitter: @CIO_Australia, Facebook: CIO Australia, or take part in the CIO conversation on LinkedIn: CIO Australia Follow Byron Connolly on Twitter:@ByronConnolly Related content brandpost Sponsored by Palo Alto Networks Operational technology systems require a robust Zero Trust strategy in 2024 Zero Trust provides a foundation for creating a stronger security posture in 2024. By Navneet Singh, vice president of marketing, network security, Palo Alto Networks Dec 05, 2023 6 mins Security brandpost Sponsored by AWS in collaboration with IBM How digital twin technology is changing complex industrial processes forever As the use cases for digital twins proliferate, it is becoming clear that data-driven enterprises with a track record of innovation stand the best chance of success. By Laura McEwan Dec 05, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by AWS in collaboration with IBM Why modernising applications needs to be a ‘must’ for businesses seeking growth Around one-third of enterprises are spending heavily on application modernisation and aiming for cloud native status. The implications for corporate culture, structure and priorities will be profound. By Laura McEwan Dec 05, 2023 5 mins Digital Transformation opinion 11 ways to reduce your IT costs now Reorienting IT’s budget toward future opportunities is a big reason why CIOs should review their IT portfolios with an eye toward curbing unnecessary spending and realizing maximum value from every IT investment. By Stephanie Overby Dec 05, 2023 11 mins Budget Cloud Management IT Governance Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe