Role Overview for Chief Digital Officer with a Global Insurer – Hartford, CT
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized leader in the insurance industry to identify a transformative Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Based in the company’s strategic hub in Hartford, CT, this executive will serve as the principal architect of the company’s digital future. This is not merely an IT leadership role; it is a strategic business imperative to redefine how the organization engages with customers, leverages data, and innovates in a rapidly evolving market. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CDO will have enterprise-wide authority and P&L responsibility for all digital initiatives.
Our client is a multi-billion dollar insurer with a storied history and a vast global footprint. While proud of its legacy, the leadership team recognizes that the future of insurance will be won by those who master the digital landscape. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader, a change agent, and a commercially-minded executive capable of steering this monumental transformation. You will be tasked with building a world-class digital organization, fostering a culture of innovation, and delivering measurable business results through the strategic application of technology.
The scope is immense, encompassing customer experience (CX), data analytics, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and the complete digitization of core business processes. This role offers the unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a market leader, shaping its trajectory for the next decade and beyond. We are seeking an individual who can not only envision the future but also possesses the operational rigor and inspirational leadership to make it a reality. The challenge is significant, but the rewards—both professional and financial—are commensurate with the impact you will have on the business.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Digital Officer with a Global Insurer – Hartford, CT
Digital Strategy & Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, enterprise-wide digital strategy that aligns with and accelerates the company’s overall business objectives. Champion the digital vision across the organization, securing buy-in from the board, executive team, and all business units.
Customer Experience (CX) Transformation
Reimagine and orchestrate a seamless, intuitive, and personalized end-to-end customer journey across all digital touchpoints. Utilize data and user feedback to continuously improve digital products and services, from quoting and binding to claims processing and customer support.
Data & Analytics Leadership
Champion a data-driven culture throughout the organization. Oversee the enterprise data strategy, including governance, analytics, and the application of advanced technologies like AI and Machine Learning to unlock new insights, improve underwriting, personalize marketing, and optimize operations.
Innovation and Emerging Technologies
Act as the organization’s chief innovator, constantly scanning the horizon for emerging trends and technologies. Lead the evaluation and implementation of Insurtech solutions, IoT, blockchain, and other disruptive technologies to create new revenue streams and competitive advantages.
Digital Product & Channel Management
Own the full lifecycle of all digital platforms, including corporate websites, customer portals, mobile applications, and agent/broker digital tools. Drive growth in digital channels, increasing direct-to-consumer sales and enhancing partner engagement.
Operational Digitization
Partner with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) to drive the digitization of core insurance processes. Identify opportunities to leverage automation, robotics process automation (RPA), and other technologies to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve accuracy.
Leadership and Culture Cultivation
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary digital team. Foster a culture of agility, experimentation, and continuous learning that permeates the entire organization, breaking down silos and encouraging cross-functional collaboration.
Financial & Commercial Acumen
Develop and manage the digital P&L, including budget allocation, resource planning, and performance measurement. Build robust business cases for digital investments and ensure all initiatives deliver a clear and compelling return on investment (ROI).
Executive Collaboration & Influence
Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and the board on all digital matters. Work in close partnership with C-suite peers (CIO, CMO, CFO, COO) to ensure the digital strategy is deeply integrated into every facet of the business.
Ecosystem & Partnership Development
Build and manage a strong ecosystem of external partners, including technology vendors, Insurtech startups, and digital agencies, to accelerate innovation and enhance capabilities.
Requirements for the Chief Digital Officer with a Global Insurer – Hartford, CT
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior-level digital, technology, or marketing role (e.g., CDO, Head of Digital, CTO with a digital focus) for a large, complex organization.
Industry Expertise
Deep and demonstrable experience within the insurance (P&C, Life, or Health) or a closely related financial services sector is mandatory. You must understand the industry’s unique regulatory, operational, and competitive dynamics.
Transformational Leadership
A proven and verifiable track record of successfully leading a large-scale digital transformation in the insurance industry or a similar legacy enterprise. You must be able to articulate the strategy, the execution, the challenges, and the quantifiable results.
Technical & Data Fluency
Strong command of modern digital technologies, including cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), data architecture, API ecosystems, CRM systems, AI/ML concepts, and cybersecurity principles. While not a hands-on coder, you must be able to lead technical teams and make informed technology decisions.
Business Acumen
Exceptional financial and commercial acumen with prior P&L management experience. Must be adept at building financial models, analyzing business performance, and linking digital initiatives directly to financial outcomes.
Inspirational Leadership
Superb leadership qualities with the ability to recruit, develop, and inspire a world-class digital organization. A track record of building diverse, high-performing teams is essential.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Technology, Marketing, or a related field is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is highly preferred.
Exceptional Communication Skills
World-class communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate a complex vision and strategy to a wide range of audiences, from the Board of Directors to individual engineers, is critical.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client provides a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and overall compensation structure.
Performance Incentives
A significant annual cash bonus based on personal and company performance, coupled with a substantial long-term incentive plan (e.g., restricted stock units, performance shares).
Health & Wellness
Premier, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents with minimal employee contribution.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a significant company match, plus access to executive deferred compensation plans.
Paid Time Off
An executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, industry conferences, and continued education to ensure you remain at the forefront of your field.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, white-glove relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Additional Perks
Other executive perquisites may include a company car allowance, club memberships, and a wellness stipend.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this critical executive mandate. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience leading digital transformation in the insurance or financial services sector. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
Interested candidates should apply directly through JRG Partners. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Insurance Executive Search practice page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
