CIO Announcements from Medtronic, Carlson Hotels Worldwide and more

Plus: Calence Elects Former Avnet CIO to Board

James Dallas left Georgia Pacific after 22 years of service with the paper company to join Medtronic as its new SVP and CIO. In his new position, Dallas reports to Medtronic Chairman and CEO Art Collins and sits on Medtronic’s executive and operating committees.  Last May, he was elected to Key Corp.’s board of directors. 

Medtronic’s previous CIO, Jeff Balagna, joined Carlson Companies as its EVP, CIO and CTO last July.   Minneapolis-based Carlson Companies runs the Radisson hotel chain as well as TGIFridays and many other travel, hospitality and marketing companies. 

One of Carlson’s business’s, Carlson Hotels Worldwide, yesterday announced the appointment of Paula Winkler as its new CIO.  Winkler was promoted to her new post from within Carlson Companies, where she most recently served as its vice president of technology, program executive for Carlson Global Solutions, and led Carlson’s shared services technology organization.  In her new role, Winkler will be responsible for establishing an IT strategy aligned with Carlson Hotels customer focused business strategy.   

Yesterday, Ruth Bruch began her new job as Kellogg’s SVP and CIO.  She quit her job at Lucent in February  to join the cereal maker. She replaces Ray Shei, who retired after more than 18 years with Kellogg. 

Today, network solutions provider Calence elected Ed Kamins to its board of directors.  Kamins currently serves at chief operational excellence officer at Avnet.  Kamins was promoted from CIO to his current position at Avnet last summer.