Mike Bracken named as Co-Operative Group's new chief digital officer

After shock departure from Whitehall, Bracken's next destination is revealed

Mike Bracken, who has just announced that he would be leaving his current dual role as the governement's chief data officer and the head of the government's digital service, has been appointed as the chief digital officer (CDO) of The Co-Operative Group.

Bracken's departure from government was a shock, after he masterminded the extension of public services online and spearheaded the government's digital revolution. His impact on those he worked with could be seen on Twitter, with tributes to him pouring in.

Bracken will begin his role at the Co-operative Group in October, where he will be responsible for driving the group's digital content and strategy. One of his main focuses will be to develop the group's digital engagement with its members.
According to Richard Pennycook, Co-operative Group's chief executive, Bracken brings with him "outstanding and ground-breaking industry experience and will make a major contribution to our long-term recovery".

Bracken said he was delighted to take on what he deemed an "exciting role".

"The group's ambition to deliver an improved digital experience for members will be fundamental to achieving the rebuild programme it has embarked upon," he said.

Bracken will report into Pennycook and sit on the group executive committee. He joins a long line of senior technology personnel in government who have decided to move into the private sector.

Meanwhile, the NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has also appointed a CDO. The organisation's interim director of ICT Aaron Powell has been named as the firm's first CDO and will take over the dual duties of a CIO and CDO. Powell joined NHSBT in January 2010 from the United Network for Organ Sharing.

The number of chief digital officers is soaring but the scope of the role has led to much debate.