Tis the Season for CIO Transition

Tis the season for CIO transition as the hiring market for IT executives improves. While I continue to talk with talented CIOs who are still on the hunt, that number is decreasing as the market absorbs CIOs released from their roles over the last 18 months.  I have seen activity in my own search firm grow considerably over the last several months and am hearing similar stories from my colleagues at other firms. Now, let’s all sit very still (no sudden movements, please – the market is still delicate) as we allow that trend continue in 2011.

Onto the news:

Aetna announced the appointment of Michael G. Mathias, as vice president and CIO, reporting to Executive Vice President Meg McCarthy. As CIO, Mathias will have oversight of AIS delivery, strategy, operations, technology and architecture and will be charged with leading innovation efforts and implementing Aetna’s long-term technology strategy.  Mathias previously served as Aetna’s Chief Technology Officer and head of Enterprise Architecture.

Universal Orlando Resort has named Bill McCorey its new senior vice president and chief information officer. McCorey succeeds Michelle McKenna, who left the resort earlier this year, and will oversee developing, implementing and maintaining information technology initiatives at Universal Orlando.

Verizon has announced the appointment of Anthony Melone as executive vice president and chief technology officer, with responsibility for Verizon’s technology roadmap, including overall platforms integrity and architecture, and product innovation. Melone was previously senior vice president and chief technical officer for Verizon Wireless. He succeeds Shaygan Kheradpir, effective immediately, following Kheradpir’s announcement that he plans to retire this month after a 23-year career with Verizon and its predecessor companies. Kheradpir said he plans to move to London where he will join Barclays Global Retail Banking at the start of 2011 as its new chief operating officer and member of its executive committee.

WellPoint has promoted Andrew Lang to CIO, reporting to Lori Beer, EVP, Enterprise Business Services.  Lange most recently served as Senior Vice President of Application Development at WellPoint.   Prior to joining WellPoint, Lang held IT posts at Aetna, Cargill and U.S. Bancorp.

Freddie Mac named Rob Lux named Chief Information Officer, replacing James Hughes.

Teleflex Corporation announced Brian Lurie at their new CIO, replacing Randall Gaboriault.  Teleflex is a diversified global company with healthcare, aerospace and commercial divisions.

AXA Equitable appointed Michael Healy as CIO. In his new post, Healy is responsible for directing the company’s systems strategy and delivery, including infrastructure, application development and corporate architecture. Prior to joining AXA Equitable in 2006, he served as a senior vice president at Marsh & McLennan, and in managerial roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Sue Kozik recently joined Direct Energy Business as VP and CIO and will sit on Direct Energy’s Senior Leadership board.  Kozik was most recently Chief Technology Officer of financial services company TIAA-CREF.  In her new role, Kozik will report to Direct Energy President Maura Clark. 

Jeff Kubacki joins ATK, a defense and aerospace company as Chief Information Officer.  Kubacki was most recently CIO with risk consulting company, Kroll.

Jamila Gordon was recently appointed CIO at project management and contracting giant Leighton Holdings. Gordon left her CIO post at Qantas as part of an extensive restructure of their business.  Former Jetstar executive David Hall replaced Gordon as CIO of Qantas.

Jason Pelkey, formerly IT director for the Americas for SABIC Innovative Plastics joins construction management company, Gilbane, as its new CIO.

This season, I would like to give thanks to everyone who sends me CIO transition news. Looking forward to reconnecting in 2011.

Martha

Martha HellerPresident

Heller Search AssociatesThe premier source for CIO and executive technology talent