Synergy fills CIO spot with ten-year veteran

West Australian state-owned energy company Synergy has promoted its manager of ICT retail Gary Peel to the role of chief information officer, following the departure of former IT boss Alex Jones.

Gary Peel.

In July, Jones accepted a position as CIO with the Victorian state government’s Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.

Peel, a 10-year veteran of Synergy, acted in the role following Jones’ departure before being officially named Synergy’s new CIO earlier this month.

Prior to the promotion, Peel oversaw a number of major ICT projects for the business, including the implementation of new systems and IT functions during the merger of Synergy and Verve Energy.

Peel also led the team responsible for the planning and rebuilding of Synergy’s website.

A spokesperson for Synergy told iTnews Peel had initiated a number of new initiatives since coming into his new role, including the hiring of an in-house IT architect in order to protect the organisation’s intellectual property.

“By appointing an architect, the organisation has a dedicated in-house team member who supports Gary in managing work flow and how ICT is structured. This role was previously outsourced to one of Synergy’s contractors,” the Synergy spokesperson said.

He is also currently helping to relocate around 600 staff into a new premise in Perth CBD.

“Gary has been keeping a keen eye on the office move ICT project team who, to date, has delivered wi-fi access in all areas of the new building, more IT functionality such as video and teleconferencing capabilities across meeting areas and differing work spaces,” the spokesperson said.

Longer term, keeping costs down and providing better services to the business will be key priorities for the CIO.

“There are a numerous projects that stem from the ICT strategies and the key to these services and products being provided is to ensure everything IT related is simpler and more mobile for Synergy employees,” the spokesperson said.

“[Peel’s] commitment is to support Synergy in turning around new products and services in a shorter time frame, becoming more transparent, excelling in program delivery and continuing to leverage modernised technology.”