Former Government CIO appointed as Chief Executive of FA

Sky and the Guardian are both reporting that Ian Watmore, formerly Permanent Secretary of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and a veteran of the IT industry, has been appointed as the Chief Executive of the Football Association (FA).

Initially it seems like an odd appointment when you consider that Mr Watmore's previous posts include Head of the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit, Chief Information Officer and Head of e-Government, in the Cabinet Office. However, he has carried with him an excellent reputation in his past positions and has worked closely with former DIUS Minister, and now Chairman of the FA, Lord Triesman. 

So as someone who has immersed themselves in Government IT issues over the past few years, I would say that this is certainly an unexpected appointment, but a welcome one nonetheless. And, I would hazard a guess, the only time a former CIO has been appointed to the upper echelons of the FA!