New CIO for GfK

GfK has announced the appointment of a new chief information officer this week. Rainer Ostermeyer is to take up the post shortly as well as continuing in his role as managing director of GfK Data Services, the group's own central IT service provider.

A commercial graduate who has been with GfK since 1980, Ostermeyer has headed-up GfK Data Services since 1993. In his new capacity as CIO, he will report directly to the board on all matters concerning information.

Ostermeyer's core responsibilities in future will include developing a strategy for information and communications technology, assisting the divisions in applying, analysing and adapting information technology, along with maintaining group-wide data security.

In 2002 though, his first year as CIO, his overriding key task will be to devise an ICT strategy for the group. He will also need to take responsibility for the company's newly established profit centre, GfK Business Solutions and Processing.

Ostermeyer noted 'Information and communications technology have been subject to very rapid change. Given the fierce international competition in our industry and the continually changing demands made of our business information services, I feel sure that using these technologies efficiently for the group, the divisions and the individual GfK companies is a key factor for success.'

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.