Capita has appointed an insider to its group board, and reshuffled the boardroom to create a new joint role.

As of 1 August, Simon Pilling will take up a post as joint chief operating officer, the firm said in a statement, joining Paddy Doyle, one of the firm's founders, who previously held the role of group operating director.

Pilling joined the firm in 1999. As a member of Capita's executive management board, he has brought in some juicy contracts, such as the congestion charge system for London Transport, and was a "driving force" in developing the firm's offshore base in India.

The firm said it was pleased to have Pilling on board: "Simon has already made a significant contribution to Capita and will be an asset to the board...," the statement said.

The shuffle was announced a week after chairman Rod Aldridge stood down. He announced his resignation in March after being caught up by New Labour's peerages for loans scandal.

Capita was unable to explain the decision. ®