Update: BHHC names VP of Analytics; Northwestern Mutual's new CTO: Career moves

February 15, 2023 12:32 PM

Morning commuters on London Bridge in the City of London, UK, on Monday, May 16, 2022. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) will release the latest UK Labor Market Statistics on Tuesday. Photographer: Jason Alden/Bloomberg — Morning commuters on London Bridge in the City of London on May 16, 2022.

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, Workers Compensation Division appoints Dr. David Speights as its vice president of analytics. He will use his experience with machine learning and predictive solutions to lead the company's strategy in analytics, with Danny Engell, SVP and chief underwriting and data analytics officer. Speights will refine the current machine learning and data intelligence practices at BHHC. Rob Darby, president and CEO of BHHC, said in a statement: "He has a breadth of experience and talent with data science and modeling that supports BHHC's goal of maintaining its competitive analytic market advantage."

Northwestern Mutual announced David Gordon as its new chief technology officer. Gordon, who was most recently chief technology and data officer at USAA Federal Savings Bank, will oversee customer experience software development, digital products and corporate solutions. Christian Mitchell, executive vice president and chief customer officer, said in a statement: "His leadership and oversight of the engineering team will ensure Northwestern Mutual continues to be on pace to be the most powerful digital engine in financial services, enabling a best-in-class customer experience."

Liberty Mutual announced the formation of a global risk solutions cyber office and several leadership appointments. Liz Geary, GRS Insurance Solutions president, will lead the office as the company searches for a global head of cyber. Appointments include Dan Frusciano, head of cyber underwriting North America; Matthew Hogg, global cyber product leader; Derrick H. Lewis, global head of cyber advisory services; and Ivonne Staisch, Liberty Mutual Reinsurance head of cyber underwriting.

Lincoln Financial Group has named Christen White as its senior vice president, Group Benefit Claims. White, who joins the company from Metlife, will focus on customer service throughout the claims process including improving claim management. "Our claims team is at the heart of what we do as an organization, as they deliver on the promises we make to our customers, each and every day," said James Reid, executive vice president, president of Workplace Solutions, in a statement. "Having worked closely with Christen before, she's the best person to lead our Claims team, as she brings significant expertise and strong leadership to our team from her experience across many areas of our industry, and is a fantastic addition to our Workplace Solutions leadership team."

New York Life appoints Jomil Guerrero as its chief diversity officer. Guerrero will focus on continuing to build a diverse and inclusive culture into the talent practices, business strategy and community engagement within New York Life. "At New York Life, diversity, equity & inclusion are deeply embedded in our culture and how we operate our business. With our company-wide commitment to DE&I and Jomil's exceptional leadership, I am looking forward to advancing our DE&I and social justice efforts and finding new ways to have an even greater impact on our company and the communities we serve," said Craig DeSanto, CEO and president, New York Life, in a statement.

Principal Financial Group announced Vivek Agrawal as EVP, chief growth officer. Agrawal, who is currently a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, will focus on business strategy and growth opportunities at the company. Dan Houston, chairman, president, and chief executive officer, said in a statement: "As we continue to transform Principal to adapt to the evolving needs of our customers, this new role and the addition of Vivek is integral to ensuring we're intentional and disciplined in how we analyze, approach, and seize new opportunities for growth, capture synergies across the portfolio, and expand our competitive advantages."

Plymouth Rock Assurance named Rick Jaros as its chief direct response officer. Jaros will oversee digital marketing strategy and advance organizational practices for the company's direct-to-consumer auto insurance business. President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Briglia said in a statement: "Rick is an exceptional leader who brings a data-driven mindset and a wealth of knowledge in digital integration, operations and process improvement from his work in both banking and financial services."

Kissterra, an insurtech marketing operating system that uses AI, announced Udi Ziv as its chief executive officer. Segev Shilton and Ifty Kerzner, the co-founders, will stay on as executive directors. Ziv joins the company after serving as CEO of Earnix. Kerzner said in a statement: "Udi is joining our team at an opportune time, leveraging his unique expertise and numerous relationships with leading insurance companies as well as over 30 years of successfully leading enterprise software companies."

Kaitlyn Mattson

Managing Editor, Digital Insurance