Curtin staffer wins CIO spot

Perth's Curtin University of Technology has promoted its director of information management services, Des Thornton, to its newly created chief information officer position following a competitive appointment process.

The university advertised the CIO position in early July and confirmed Thornton's appointment in its internal staff publication on 30 August.

"It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of the chief information officer [CIO] to head the information, communications and technology [ICT] shared services model which was recently approved by Council," wrote Curtin's vice-chancellor Jeanette Hacket in the publication, seen by ZDNet Australia.

Hacket noted national advertising for the position had attracted "a highly competitive field of national and international applicants", with five candidates making it to the interview stage.

"The panel was unanimous in its choice of Mr Des Thornton, current director of IMS [Information Management Services]," the vice-chancellor continued.

"Mr Thornton greatly impressed the panel with his vision for the future, understanding of the issues involved and his sensitivity
in moving towards his stated goals."

Hacket said Thornton had already commenced discussions with a range of people as he initiated work on the shared services model.