Allen & Overy opts to "job-share' top IT role

CITY firm Allen & Overy has "job-shared" its head of IT role as part of a radical shake-up of the way the firm organises its information technology needs.

Whereas most firms appoint one head of IT to oversee the technical strategy of the firm, Allen & Overy has split the responsibility into four departments under the responsibility of two senior IT managers.

The firm merged its information services department, which ran the computer systems and technical infrastructure of the firm, with its telecommunications department at the end of last year. This followed the departure of its head of information services John Rogers to City firm Herbert Smith.

The firm now employs two senior technology managers, reporting to business services director Rodney Barker. He sits on the firm's management committee and partnership board.

Former development manager Steve Roberts is now senior technology manager. He is in charge of the development and implementation department which deals with software. He is also responsible for the London operations department, which deals with the maintenance of networks and services, hardware and disaster recovery.

Ex-telecoms manager Duncan Scott heads the customer services department which runs a helpdesk service and ensures clients and staff have the technology they need and the international operations department, which manages global communications systems.

Baker, who believes the new structure is unique, said the aim of the reorganisation was to integrate the firm's IT systems to ensure clear communications both within the UK and abroad.

He said that the departure of Rogers had been the catalyst for the shake-up.