IBM has launched new IoT and education business units, which will be led by former Thomas Cook CEO Harriet Green.

The IoT arm will utilise the company’s big data, advanced analytics and cognitive computing and is part of IBM’s four-year long $3 billion investment in the IoT space announced in March 2015.

IBM also announced that Harriet Green will join the company as the VP and GM of the two units, and will be responsible for developing these and other new growth businesses.

The company added that Green will be in charge of team of more than 2000 consultants, researchers and developers.

Harriet Green, now VP and GM at IBM said: "The Internet of Things will help enterprises and governments at every level unlock entirely new areas of opportunity and growth, and no company is better positioned than IBM to be the partner of choice as these organizations embrace its potential.

"Likewise, education is being transformed by technology and IBM is incredibly well positioned to help leaders in the field enable this change."

John E. Kelly, SVP of solutions portfolio and research at IBM said: "Throughout her career, across multiple geographies and cultures, she [Green] has consistently shown a deep understanding of the needs of her customers and clients, and how to help them achieve their goals and aspirations."

Green was named Leader of the Year 2013 in the UK National Business Awards, as well as the Sunday Times Business Leader of the Year 2013. She was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for services to electronics in June 2010.