8 key digital insurance appointments
July 11, 2018 5:21 AM
Executive turnover is a fact of life in all industries. However, in insurance, new appointments more often than ever come with a mandate to help the company serve customers better in a range of digital channels. Here are some recent announcements.
John Tribble, CM Regent
John Tribble has been named VP and chief administration officer for CM Regent Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Church Mutual Insurance Company. In his new position, Tribble will be responsible forday-to-day oversight of the Shared Services departments, which include IT, claims, marketing and broker relations.
Anne Kraske, FC Capital
Anne Kraske has been named as a director and CIO of FC Capital Partners, the parent company of Grand River Insurance and several other commercial insurers. She most recently served as managing director of ABH Advisors, a consulting firm focused on the insurance industry; Kraske also has worked at Adaptik and Travelers. "We are pleased that Anne’s leadership will advance further the technologies that drive efficiencies and innovation in our services to our agency partners,” Grand River president Gregory Clapp said in announcing the hire.
SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg
Jill Paulin, Armed Forces Benefit Association
The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) and its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company, have promoted Jill C. Paulin to SVP of operations. Paulin has progressively held positions of increasing responsibility in customer service, training, and operations, serving as VP of operations since 2014 and over the past four years with responsibility for key enterprise projects. “We are delighted to welcome Jill into this circle helping to lead and guide our strategic efforts,” said Mark Singleton, 5Star Life President.
Hand-out/Nationwide
Jim Fowler, Nationwide
Jim Fowler has been named the next CIO for Nationwide Insurance. He replaces Michael Keller, who announced his retirement this year. Fowler last was CIO for General Electric, where he was responsible for digital transformation program across the enterprise. "Jim's strategic, transformational and people leadership skills, strong alignment with the Nationwide culture, and his extensive IT background will be valuable to Nationwide as we continue to leverage technology to serve the evolving needs of our members," said Steve Rasmussen, Nationwide's CEO.
Bradley Bodell, Trustmark
Trustmark, a financial-services company offering employee benefits including insurance products, has hired Bradley Bodell as SVP and CIO. The company says Bodell's key charges are to facilitate enterprise growth, enhance customer experience and engagement, and direct investments in information security. "He has led IT transformations that support business growth strategies by enabling quicker product innovation, improved customer experience through digital solutions and more effective marketing through data management," says company CEO Joe Pray. Bodell last worked at CNO Financial, the parent company for insurers Bankers Life and Colonial Penn, as SVP and CIO.
Miguel Edwards, Kemper
Miguel Edwards has joined Kemper as CIO of its life and health division. He last served as VP of strategy operations at Allstate Brand Distribution. In his new role, Edwards is responsible for "strategic technology investments and applications to improve the Life and Health Division’s ability to evolve digital platforms, improve the customer experience, and support key growth initiatives," according to a Kemper release. He will report to Charles Brooks, SVP, operations and systems for Kemper; and Mark Green, president of the life and health division.
Said Taiym, Lockton
Insurance broker Lockton Companies has named Said Taiym executive vice president and chief digital officer. In his new role, Taiym will focus on digital innovation, specifically the advanced implementation of emerging technologies that will aid Lockton in delivering improved strategic risk solutions for clients, the company said. He will report directly to Ron Lockton, president and CEO. Taiym joins Lockton by way of AF Group, where he served as chief information officer for the Midwestern-based workers’ compensation carrier since September 2014. He was also previously vice president of XL Catlin and AVP of IT at Zurich North America.
Ivan de la Sota, Allianz
German insurer Allianz has appointed Iván de la Sota chief business transformation office. He leads a new division that will support the company’s efforts in launching new business platforms and technologies that arise as a result of growing demand from consumers for a more complete digital experience. This includes enhancing existing business models, while introducing new ones, and offering a flexible combination of personal advice and digital services, the company said.