Vivek Kundra, the visionary young CIO appointed by US President Barack Obama, has stepped down from the position. Kundra championed the US Government’s move to cloud computing and open data policies.
India-born Kundra was appointed by Obama himself after taking office and was responsible for an IT budget worth more than US$80bn.
The Obama administration says it plans to replace Kundra with a new CIO.
Kundra received the EMC Data Hero Visionary Award for his pioneering work in reforming how the US government manages and uses IT.
Cloud visionary championed open data and open government
It is understood that Kundra plans to step down in August and will take up a fellowship at Harvard University, where he will study the implications of digital media and technology for governance, as well as cloud computing, open data and open government.
“When he began at the White House, he brought with him the promise of good ideas and a hard-charging style,” said Jack Lew, director of the Office of Management and Budget.
“He has cracked down on wasteful IT spending, saved US$3bn in taxpayer dollars, moved the government to the cloud, and strengthened the cyber security posture of the nation while making it more open, transparent and participatory,” he said.
