HM Revenue and Customs CIO named

The CIO of the imminent HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) department has been named as former BG and BOC IT chief Steve Lamey.

A spokeswoman didn't give a precise date for him taking up the post but it will officially happen "shortly".

David Varney, HMRC executive chairman and until not long ago chairman of mobile operator mmO2, said in a statement: "IT will play a critical role in our ability to build an efficient new department."

One of Lamey's predecessors, IR director of business services IT John Yard, will be remembered as the man who dropped outsourcing giant EDS, awarding the contract to Capgemini. Yard has stepped down to set up his own outsourcing consultancy, as first revealed by silicon.com.

Speaking on Lamey's appointment, BOC CIO Peter Dew told silicon.com: "Steve has a great style which I am sure will see him do well at Revenue and Customs. If anybody's perception of the Inland Revenue was grey and boring it will change soon."

Lamey is 48 years old and married with two children.

He won't officially become CIO of the IR and Customs & Excise until legislation from the government to establish HMRC passes through Parliament. Chancellor Gordon Brown announced the creation of HMRC in his 2004 Budget.