University honours backstage champion from Olympic Games

12 Jul 2013

The University is honouring five former students who have achieved distinction, highlighting the incredible contribution of Manchester graduates.

Our Outstanding Alumni Awards are given to those who have achieved distinction in their profession, through exemplary service to the University or the wider community or through outstanding service of a personal or humanitarian nature.

The third was presented yesterday (Thursday 11 July) by the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences to Gerry Pennell OBE, BSc (Hons) Mathematics (1980).

Gerry has recently completed his position as chief information officer for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

During his time at LOCOG, Gerry was responsible for delivering the technology required to stage the games. This not only included establishing an extensive network of IT facilities, but also delivering on mission-critical services for broadcasters and written media as well as the distribution of real-time results to web-site, press agencies and mobile applications. Gerry successfully managed a team of over 6,000 staff at the games and was highly praised for his management and leadership throughout the four-year process.

Prior to his work at LOCOG, between 2000 and 2002, Gerry was Director of Technology and member of the M2002 Executive, organizers of the Manchester Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games were hailed by public, media and the sporting worlds as a major success.

Between his work with two of the biggest sporting events the UK has seen, Gerry was Chief Information Officer for the Co-operative group/Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) and was responsible for all IT processes for a company which has over 80,000 employees.