Uni of Newcastle CIO quits after three months

The University of Newcastle is back on the market for a new CIO following the resignation of its former IT head after three months in the role.

Mark Pigot

Mark Pigot started at the tertiary institution, which boasts around 37,500 students and 2600 staff, on 25 June 2013, only to leave three months later to join Woolworths in a project manager role, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He joined after a five-year stint heading up service management and IT infrastructure at the University of Sydney.

The University of Newcastle last advertised for a CIO just one year ago, in February 2013, following the departure of Mary Sharp.

This time the university has asked for an “outstanding leadership team” in IT to head the implementation of an “ambitious” new IT strategy spanning 2013-2015, in a job ad posted this week.

A university spokesperson declined to comment on Pigot's departure or specifics of the IT strategy, but said the IT roadmap was aimed at "building our position as one of the top universities in the world".

The university said it was looking for a candidate who can demonstrate a track record of success in facilitating organisational change.

“Reporting to the chief operating officer, the CIO will lead the adoption of new technologies designed to streamline activities and enhance efficiency, and advocate the advancement through technology of learning excellence and the student experience,” the job posting stated.