Role Overview for VP, Data & Analytics with a Global Insurer – Hartford, CT
JRG Partners is proud to partner exclusively with a globally recognized leader in the insurance industry to identify a transformative VP, Data & Analytics. Based in the insurance capital of Hartford, CT, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of a multi-billion dollar enterprise by harnessing the power of data.
Our client is at a pivotal moment, investing heavily in digital transformation and data-centric strategies to redefine risk management, enhance customer experiences, and drive unprecedented growth. The VP, Data & Analytics will be the central figure in this transformation, serving as the organization’s senior-most thought leader and strategist for all data-related initiatives. This is not just a role about managing data; it’s about building a competitive moat through intelligent, data-driven insights.
Reporting directly to the Chief Technology & Data Officer, you will be entrusted with the complete ownership of the enterprise data and analytics roadmap. You will inherit a talented team and be empowered to scale it, fostering a world-class culture of curiosity, innovation, and analytical rigor. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who can operate at both the strategic and tactical levels—someone who can articulate a compelling vision for data’s role in the future of insurance to the Board of Directors, while also guiding their teams through the complexities of implementing advanced machine learning models.
You will be the primary evangelist for data literacy across the organization, working cross-functionally with leaders in Underwriting, Claims, Actuarial, Marketing, and Operations to embed analytics into the core of every business decision. Your success will be measured by your ability to transform data from a back-office asset into a front-line driver of profitability, efficiency, and market leadership.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Data & Analytics with a Global Insurer – Hartford, CT
As the VP, Data & Analytics, you will orchestrate a wide range of strategic and operational functions. Your mandate will be broad, encompassing everything from high-level strategy to the hands-on cultivation of a data-first culture. You will be accountable for delivering measurable business value and demonstrating a clear return on the company’s significant investment in data and technology.
Enterprise Data Strategy & Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, forward-looking data and analytics strategy that aligns directly with the company’s overarching business objectives. Champion this vision across all levels of the organization, from the C-suite to individual business units.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team of data scientists, data engineers, BI developers, data architects, and governance specialists. Foster an inclusive and collaborative environment that attracts and retains top-tier talent.
Advanced Analytics & Machine Learning Innovation
Spearhead the application of sophisticated analytical techniques, including predictive modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and natural language processing (NLP), to solve critical business challenges. Drive innovation in areas such as dynamic pricing, claims fraud detection, underwriting risk assessment, and customer segmentation.
Data Governance & Quality Assurance
Establish and oversee a robust, enterprise-wide data governance framework. Implement policies, standards, and processes to ensure the accuracy, completeness, security, and integrity of all data assets. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements like GDPR, CCPA, and industry-specific mandates.
Business Intelligence & Actionable Insights
Oversee the BI function to deliver state-of-the-art reporting, dashboards, and visualization tools. Empower business users with self-service analytics capabilities, enabling them to access and interpret data to make faster, more informed decisions.
Stakeholder Collaboration & Business Partnership
Act as a strategic partner to senior business leaders. Proactively identify opportunities where data and analytics can drive efficiency, revenue growth, and competitive advantage. Translate complex analytical findings into clear, compelling business narratives.
Technology Modernization & Architecture
Partner closely with the CIO and IT infrastructure teams to define the data technology roadmap. Lead the evaluation and implementation of modern data platforms, including cloud data warehouses (e.g., Snowflake, BigQuery), data lakes, and MLOps frameworks to ensure a scalable, secure, and efficient data ecosystem.
Financial & Budgetary Management
Develop and manage the annual budget for the Data & Analytics department. Ensure responsible fiscal management, prioritize investments based on potential ROI, and build compelling business cases for new initiatives and technologies.
Requirements for the VP, Data & Analytics with a Global Insurer – Hartford, CT
This is a senior executive position requiring a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership. The successful candidate will have a proven history of leveraging data to create transformative business impact within a large, complex organization. We are seeking an individual who is not only a master of the craft but also a charismatic leader capable of driving change.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in data management, business intelligence, and analytics, with at least 7-10 years in a significant leadership role (Director, Senior Director, or VP level) managing large, diverse teams.
Industry Expertise
Deep and demonstrable experience within the insurance sector (Property & Casualty, Life & Annuity, or Health) is strongly preferred. A thorough understanding of core insurance functions and the associated data domains (e.g., underwriting, claims, pricing, risk) is critical for success. Familiarity with principles from the Society of Actuaries (SOA) is a significant asset.
Educational Background
A Master’s or Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or Economics is required. An MBA in conjunction with a technical degree is highly desirable.
Technical Acumen
Strong, foundational knowledge of modern data ecosystems. This includes hands-on familiarity with cloud data platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), data warehousing concepts, ETL/ELT processes, data modeling, and big data technologies. Proficiency in SQL and a conceptual understanding of languages like Python or R are essential.
Strategic & Analytical Mindset
Proven ability to think strategically, anticipate future trends, and develop long-term plans that align with business goals. Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to dissect complex problems and deliver clear, data-backed solutions.
Leadership & Communication Skills
World-class communication, presentation, and influencing skills. The ability to articulate a complex technical vision to a non-technical executive audience is paramount. A demonstrated history of building consensus, managing change, and leading with empathy and integrity.
Business Acumen
A strong understanding of corporate finance, P&L management, and the ability to link data initiatives directly to financial outcomes and key performance indicators.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry and offers a comprehensive and competitive executive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, an aggressive annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. Access to executive wellness programs, mental health resources, and fitness subsidies.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A best-in-class 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match and profit-sharing contributions. Access to executive financial planning services.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, numerous paid holidays, and comprehensive parental leave policies to support your family.
Professional Development
A substantial budget for continuing education, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and certifications to ensure you remain at the forefront of the field.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates and their families to facilitate a smooth transition to the Hartford area.
How to Apply
This is a confidential, retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary data leader with the experience and passion to drive data-centric transformation at a global insurance leader, we invite you to apply. This role represents a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a respected organization and the industry at large.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and strategic vision. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. For more information about our expertise in this domain, please feel free to explore our Data & Analytics recruitment services. We look forward to hearing from you.
