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Capita IT Services second-in-command Hewitt leaves today

Man in charge of Unity transformation programme exits

Capita IT Services has told its workforce that operations director Russ Hewitt – the man in charge of the Unity cost cutting and change programme – is leaving today.

Unity was designed to help the integrator-cum-reseller navigate the perilous economic situation in the UK during 2012 including freezing bonuses and pay, reforming into five units and initiating redundancies.

In a note sent to employees, seen by The Channel, Capita ITS boss Mark Quartermaine confirmed the exit of Hewitt, who was effectively seen as his second-in-command.

"I would like to thanks Russ for all the hard work he has put in initiating the transformation of the operations function," said Quartermaine in the mail.

Company insiders claimed Unity "has not completely gone but [does] not seem to be as high on the agenda" and that management had realised it had zapped morale among some staffers.

It seems also that the redundancy programme under which Capita ITS put 1,000 folk at risk of redundancy may have whimpered past the finishing line, with sources claiming that between 50 and 100 staff were let go.

Former BT, Serco and QinetiQ director Steve Rick is set to join Capita on 6 August to replace Hewitt, bringing a "wealth of experience in transformation programmes and operational best practice".

"The organisational structure and individuals under Steve will remain the same as it is today and it is critical that the focus on operational stability and transformation remains the priority for all," said Quartermaine.

The appointment of Rick, who was veep and CTO of BT Global Services, will see him hook up again with Quartermaine, who was UK president at BT Global Services.

The Channel asked Capita's PR department if Unity and the redundancy programme have concluded but were told there is no further comment other than a statement it rattled out previously: “On Friday 29th June, we completed a 90 day consultation with our employees. We have updated them on our current position and will continue to provide them with local level support.” ®

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