IBM Hires Former Thomas Cook CEO to Lead New IoT Unit

IBM has hired former Thomas Cook CEO Harriet Green to lead its newly launched Internet of Things (IoT) business unit, which will bring together its strengths in big data, advanced analytics and cognitive computing.

The term IoT, said to have been coined by British entrepreneur Kevin Ashton in 1999, relates to objects embedded with electronics, software, and sensors which are connected to enable the collection and exchange of data. IBM announced in March that it will invest $3 billion over the next four years to deliver new industry-specific cognitive computing technologies, cloud data services and developer tools to help clients and partners integrate data from a number of sources across the IoT.

Green (pictured) joins as Vice President and General Manager, in charge of a team that will soon comprise more than 2000 consultants, researchers and developers dedicated to helping clients unlock value from new data. Prior to her most recent role as Chief Executive of Thomas Cook, she was CEO of technology products firm Premier Farnell, and she held various roles at Arrow Electronics during a thirteen year stay. In addition, she is a non-executive director of BAE Systems and of Emerson.

John Kelly, SVP, Solutions Portfolio and Research, comments: 'Harriet brings to IBM a strong, proven track record as a transformative leader. Throughout her career, across multiple geographies and cultures, she has consistently shown a deep understanding of the needs of her customers and clients, and how to help them achieve their goals and aspirations. Her creativity and vision will help organizations transform themselves to take fuller advantage of emerging data and cognitive technologies'.

Web site: www.ibm.com .