Players to Watch in Insurance Technology During 2008

Insurance & Technology's editors identify some notable industry movers and shakers with opportunities to make a difference in the insurance technology world in the coming year.

While the insurance industry has been both celebrated and derided for its stability, it is proving to be increasingly susceptible to the accelerating pace of change experienced by the business world in general. Rapidly changing markets, increased globalization and maturing technology are among the factors that are driving significant changes not only within insurance enterprises but throughout the related organizations that serve or represent them. The following seven players to watch are just a few of the individuals and organizations that are embarking on new initiatives, seizing new opportunities or on the verge of completing great cumulative efforts that could help shape the industry in 2008 and beyond.

Kevin Murray Builds for AXA Equitable's Long-Term Growth
Former AIG Domestic Brokerage Group and Personal Lines CIO Kevin Murray is establishing strategic platforms in support of AXA Equitable's ambitious growth objectives.

LOMA and LIMRA Face Future Together
The boards of LOMA and LIMRA have agreed to unite under the new name LL Global, saying that the complementary offerings of the groups will bring members synergies.

Craig Lowenthal Handles Carrier Systems Again For NYMAGIC
Back on the carrier side after a stint at Integro, Craig Lowenthal faces the challenge of turning around legacy systems-bound New York Marine and General Insurance Co.'s (NYMAGIC) technology organization.

ACORD's John Kellington Drives New Standards Approach
Former Ohio Casualty CTO and IBM consultant John Kellington will apply his best-practice and project management disciplines to his new role as ACORD's senior vice president in charge of standards.

2008 Presidential Election Promises Change for Health Insurance Industry
Candidates for both the Democratic and Republican 2008 presidential nominations have proposed changes in the current health insurance system. Climate change is another topic of debate.

Celent And TowerGroup Expand Insurance Coverage
Analyst firms Celent and TowerGroup have expanded coverage in the insurance space, with increased research and new hires.

Tripathi Continues IT Transformation at Harleysville
Harleysville Insurance CIO Akhil Tripathi has implemented two new policy administration systems since 2006, earning the carrier a reputation as technology leader along the way.