That's the most insane thing I've heard about a companys practice, and one that neither I nor any of my friends have heard about, let alone experienced.
So the head of HR suddenly becomes responsible for the IT framework and the head of IT becomes responsible for the HR responsibilities of a normal (potentially non-IT) company!?
Dear Jebus, I'm glad I don't work for that company. I can't see such lunacy being in any way positive for the sustained growth (or even preventing chaos!) in any organisation.