Borders names new cio

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Borders Group announced today that Susan Harwood has joined the company as cio. She reports to Borders Group ceo George Jones.

Prior to joining Borders, Harwood served as vp of information technology at Books-A-Million Inc. since 2001, where she was responsible for all information technology operations for the 200-store retail chain and its subsidiaries. From 1995 through 2001, Harwood was with Crown Books, where she began working as an independent consultant and advanced through a series of information technology management positions including director of systems planning, director of corporate systems, and vp of information technology and cio, a post she held from 1998 through 2001. Previous to Crown, Harwood was a senior analyst and project leader for Circuit City Stores from 1990 to 1994.

At Borders, Harwood is responsible for the overall vision, strategic direction and tactical delivery of all information technology systems and solutions to support the company's business operations, which include over 1,200 Borders and Waldenbooks stores worldwide as well as distribution facilities and the company's corporate headquarters. She spearheads all information technology initiatives, including merchandising and warehouse management systems, and is responsible for the company's technology infrastructure and for driving emerging technologies. In addition, Harwood plays a key role in leading technology supporting the ongoing development of Borders.com, the proprietary e-commerce site that the company will launch in the first quarter of 2008.