Farmers CIO leaves to join Express Scripts

Express Scripts has announced that Ron Guerrier will be the pharmacy-benefit company's new CIO.

Guerrier had been CIO of Farmers Insurance since 2015. In that time, he presided over a number of digital enhancements for the multiline insurer. The company revamped its core systems with Guidewire, implemented virtual-reality training for claims personnel and launched a new usage-based insurance product.

Express Scripts is in a state of flux itself. Its pending acquisition by Cigna is a component of a reshuffling of the health insurance and pharmacy-benefits space, as players look to head off threats from Amazon.

"Ron has a proven track record of building technology organizations that accelerate business strategy, company growth, and industry innovation," said Neal Sample, EVP and COO, Express Scripts, in a statment. "We look forward to Ron joining our team and expect he will make important contributions as we continue our transformation into a technology-driven healthcare services leader."

Farmers didn't respond to a request for comment by press time on a timeline for Guerrier's replacement. Another P&C giant, Nationwide, will have a new CIO this year. Michael Keller announced his retirement from that company earlier this year, but will stay on until a replacement is named by the second half of 2018.