NTL is looking for a new CIO after Phil Pavitt confirmed his decision to quit the cableco next year.

In an email sent by NTL boss Simon Duffy to staff yesterday he wrote: "I am sorry to say that Phil has decided to move on. As many of you will know, Phil could almost be described as 'part of the furniture' at NTL, having spent a number of years with the company and been closely involved in many of its major projects.

"Not surprisingly he describes his time with NTL as both a rollercoaster ride and one of the most amazing experiences of his life. It is a genuinely personal decision on Phil's part to leave, and I know you will join me in wishing him every success in the future. He will be leaving the business in the first part of next year."

One of the jobs overseen by Mr Pavitt is NTL's "Harmony" project, designed to unify eight billing platforms and 28 CRM databases. Critics claim that when it's finally completed next year it will be late and over budget.

A spokeswoman for NTL denied this was the case insisting that the "highly complex" project had merely "evolved" over time.

Anyhow, NTL has also poached a senior figure from BT to head up its Business division. From 10 January, Tony Harris becomes the MD of NTL:Business having spent 14 years at BT.

Mr Duffy said the changes "reflected the need to ensure that we continue to keep [NTL's] structure both lean and focused". He also thanked staff for their contribution during a "difficult and demanding year". ®

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