Credit checking and information services company Experian has appointed its first ever global chief information officer.

The appointment is an internal one, with Mel Mason, who was previously MD of technology services for Experian UK and Ireland, being promoted to the global role.

Experian has a sizable Australian operation courtesy of its acquisition of internet tracking firm Hitwise.

The position of global CIO is a new role in Experian and Mason will be responsible for the development and implementation of a common technology strategy and deployment policy, as well as improving service delivery quality, integrating data centres and networks and last, but certainly not least, cutting costs or "improving overall operating efficiencies" across Experian's global businesses.

The role will report into Mike DeVico, group president of Experian Americas.

Mason has been at Experian for five years, joining from the home shopping division of GUS, where he spent 12 years as IT director. Prior to that he spent 17 years at Tesco, where he became deputy to the IT director.

Mason said in a statement: "Experian is known for the power of its information and analytics solutions. It is absolutely vital that these are underpinned with the best technology infrastructure supported by the best technologists. We have strong teams of IT professionals in our business who enhance our ability to introduce innovative products for our clients around the world."