
Tom Benton
I recently joined Novarica as a Principal after serving five years as VP, Technology (CIO) at Navy Mutual, during which time I was a Novarica client and active Research Council member. One of the highlights of my time as a client was attending the Novarica’s Research Council meeting in Providence a few years ago.
As a CIO, I found that the Research Council meeting is a great opportunity to interact with and learn from peer insurance IT execs. The agenda included a number of topics of interest, but the interaction with other IT insurance leaders is unique – personally I took away a number of ideas from my peers on issues we were facing at the time, including how to tackle challenges with core system replacements, ways to better meet the needs of business units, and ideas on improving engagement of business leaders in the IT process.
At this year’s meeting, held last week in Providence, RI, Novarica analysts presented recent research on Big Data/Analytics, Quick IT Benchmarks and IT Operational Strategy along with breakout discussions on hot topics like Climate Change and Catastrophe Modeling and how the Affordable Care Act is affecting carriers. There was still ample time at the dinner the previous night and during breaks for interaction with peers.
Some of the comments from CIOs attending the meeting were:
- “The annual Novarica Council meeting provides two key benefits: first, the research presented by Novarica analysts contains valuable and relevant information that stimulates discussions amongst peers; and second, it is provides a unique opportunity to hear first-hand what other companies are doing with technology.” – Judith Haddad, EVP and CIO/CTO of Patriot National Insurance Group
- “What a great tool to have in my CIO toolbag: other CIOs who share and discuss issues in a practical and pragmatic fashion. It’s a large enough group to get multiple perspectives, but focused enough to have tangible impact and value.” – Richard Wiedenbeck, SVP of IT at Ameritas.
Notes from the meeting are available to Research Council members at www.novarica.com/councilMeetingReport2013. Membership in the Research Council is free, and there are no registration fees required to attend Research Council meetings. Over 300 members participate through the Council in Novarica research. Senior IT executives can request their free membership here.