The Travelers Companies, Inc., has named Bruce Gifford to the newly created role of enterprise chief data and analytics officer.
Travelers said in a statement that this would "further strengthen the company's industry-leading data and analytics capabilities and advance its innovation agenda."
Mr. Gifford previously served as senior vice president and chief actuary for the company's bond and specialty insurance segment while also leading the enterprise business intelligence and analytics function.
In his new role, Travelers said, Mr. Gifford will be responsible for accelerating the transformation of data into insights through the use of existing and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence tools and techniques. He will report to Michael Klein, executive vice president and president of personal insurance as well as head of enterprise business intelligence and analytics, and to Madelyn Lankton, executive vice president and chief information officer, enterprise operations and ebusiness.
"Data and analytics have long been core components of our business and key competitive advantages for us," said Mr. Klein. "From the development and delivery of our products and services to the ways we interact with our customers and distribution partners, data influences the decisions we make and drives innovation throughout the organization. Bruce's deep knowledge of our company and our industry, together with his background as an actuary, makes him uniquely qualified to take our leading data and analytics capabilities to the next level."
"Bruce is a proven leader and has played a significant part in growing our existing analytics practice," said Ms. Lankton. "Our technology, operations, and business strategies rely on actionable insights from data, and Bruce will be essential in seamlessly integrating those insights across the organization."
Travelers said that creating this position and appointing Mr. Gifford to oversee the practice will bring a heightened focus to the company's innovation priorities, which include extending the company's lead in risk expertise; enhancing the experience for its customers, agents, and brokers; and improving productivity and efficiency.
Mr. Gifford has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He joined Travelers in 2009, serving as vice president and chief actuary for select accounts until 2012. He is the chair of the company's analytics management committee and is a member of the company's operating committee. Mr. Gifford is a fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries.
Learn more: www.travelers.com.