Profile of Kathy Burger
Editorial Director
Member Since: 5/8/2014
Author
Blog Posts: 575
Posts: 132
Katherine Burger is Editorial Director of Bank Systems & Technology and Insurance & Technology, members of UBM TechWeb's InformationWeek Financial Services. She assumed leadership of Bank Systems & Technology in 2003 and of Insurance & Technology in 1991. In addition to directing the editorial strategy of both brands, Kathy is charged with the creation and development of new products, editorial supplements, special publications and live and online events including BS&T's Executive Summit, I&T's Executive Summit, Webcasts, live custom events and executive roundtables. Kathy is a frequent speaker/moderator at financial services industry conferences, and also has presented at a number of technology company user group and sales force events, as well as numerous Webcasts sponsored by industry leaders. She is a graduate of Carleton College.
Articles by Kathy Burger
1/28/2015
After more than 40 years of reporting on the insurance technology industry, Insurance & Technology will fold into InformationWeek. It’s been a great journey.
11/6/2014
CIO Bryan Fowler is leading Oregon Mutual Insurance on a journey that is helping the P&C carrier leverage data, modern core systems, and the cloud.
11/4/2014
At West Bend Mutual Insurance, SVP and CIO Tracey Berg not only runs an effective IT organization — she’s also responsible for corporate strategic planning.
11/3/2014
Insurance & Technology’s 2014 Elite 8 CIOs have what it takes to lead in a changing and challenging business environment.
9/11/2014
Technology has transformed the practice of risk management, but with threats growing more complex and sophisticated, has anything really changed?
9/10/2014
Insurers are committing to process and product transformation, but it's just empty promises unless they can effectively deliver on these initiatives.
9/9/2014
The new community site brings the technology community together with improved navigation and new content-sharing features.
9/4/2014
Insurers should expect more from new core systems than process improvement, says SMA’s Karen Furtado. How can they activate innovation in core systems?
8/11/2014
Former Novarica analyst Chad Hersh joins The Nolan Company to lead an effort to help insurers gain value from their systems transformation efforts.
6/26/2014
2013 Elite 8 honoree Mark Caron assumes CEO role at Capital Blue Cross’s Geneia healthcare solutions company.
6/12/2014
Insurers have been stymied by the challenge of balancing digital channel convenience with concerns about cyberrisks, but it doesn't have to be a trade-off.
6/11/2014
Robert Benmosche, who led AIG's post-financial crisis recovery, will resign from board Sept. 1 and assume advisory role.
6/9/2014
Current EVP/CFO appointed CEO and member of board; current president/CEO Liam McGee continues as executive chairman of the board.
6/9/2014
The provider of financial services to credit unions and their members deploys game-design techniques to improve customer experience and transform the sales process.
5/9/2014
CIOs from USAA, Unum and other insurance organizations shared secrets to attracting and retaining IT talent during a panel at the 2014 ACORD LOMA Insurance Systems Forum.
5/5/2014
A metaphor-filled episode of the show about advertising in the '60s has relevance for a transforming insurance industry.
4/21/2014
How does insurance rank in CareerBuilder/Economic Modeling Specialists ranking of top industries for rapid IT job growth?
4/8/2014
The reinsurer's implementation of a new Xuber for Reinsurers core system will enable the company to be more competitive by improving its capabilities around data and analytics.
3/13/2014
Almost two-thirds of executives surveyed by Protiviti report their businesses are undergoing a major IT transformation -- and with these efforts come big challenges around security, data management and new channels.
3/7/2014
Former venture capitalist Christopher Kay is charged with driving innovation that will simplify the healthcare experience.
1/27/2014
Michael Anselmo leaves Narragansett Bay Insurance to join health insurer as SVP and CIO.
1/6/2014
Deal aims to offer enterprises ability to capture and manage cross-functional information around customer interactions, business processes and workforce performance.
1/3/2014
The ability to move quickly and nimbly in response to market opportunities and challenges is a prized but elusive capability for insurers.
1/2/2014
Dealing with technology-enabled change has become business as usual for insurance executives -- and it's no different for the Insurance & Technology team.
12/29/2013
P&C software and services company executive began insurance career in the 1950s.
12/19/2013
Chief innovation officer Jon Bidwell discusses how Chubb is using internal social media platforms to rapidly improve products and processes.
12/19/2013
Insurers are making progress retiring legacy core systems, but they’re not always satisfied with the new policy admin systems they’re implementing, research from SMA reveals.
10/30/2013
Policymakers, communities, citizens and the private sector (including insurers) share responsibility for rethinking disaster preparedness and response, agreed participants in a Stevens Institute of Technology conference about lessons learned from Superstorm Sandy.
10/29/2013
There's a lot of talk this week about "lessons learned" in the year since Superstorm Sandy struck the Northeast. But has anything really changed?
10/28/2013
To help drive profitable growth, XL Group’s global CIO, is overseeing a massive IT transformation that combines core system replatforming with innovation and “strategy sizzle.”
10/23/2013
Capital BlueCross SVP and CIO Mark Caron is marshaling analytics capabilities to help the insurer provide consumers with medical value in a market transformed by healthcare reform.
10/21/2013
It takes an elusive combination of technical skills, vision, business savvy, and insight to make a successful insurance CIO – but these attributes are plentiful among Insurance & Technology’s 2013 Elite honorees, who will be recognized at the new Elite 8 Executive Forum in New York, November 7.
10/18/2013
CareerBuilder study reveals lessons for recruiters and job seekers; use of mobile channel and the need for strong branding are among the differentiators.
9/26/2013
Insurers face numerous challenges in improving the customer experience, but the technology of customer experience may not be the hardest part.
9/16/2013
Thin client, HTML-based tool, which received a 2013 SMA Innovation in Action award, is improving sales performance and compliance.
9/16/2013
Working with ClarionDoor, Oregon Mutual was able to rapidly go to market with a cloud-based rating system for personal lines auto that ends dependency on comparative raters’ manufactured rates -- an implementation that received a 2013 SMA Innovation in Action Award.
9/13/2013
GEICO launches Technology Development Program to recruit and develop future IT professionals; topic will be focus of discussion at upcoming InformationWeek CIO Forum at Interop New York.
8/27/2013
ProSight Specialty Insurance will use iPartners' Business Intelligence & Data Warehouse Solution to provide enhanced business analytics and data management, common tools across the enterprise, and quick value through SaaS delivery.
8/23/2013
The winners of this year's Novarica Research Council Impact Awards demonstrate that insurance companies are increasingly adept at getting measurable results out of innovative IT implementations.
8/20/2013
Agreement for development, implementation and maintenance services that was signed in 2003 now runs through 2020.
8/14/2013
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield taps Cognizant to support its mobile technology initiatives.
8/12/2013
Enhanced infrastructures, consolidation and great reliance on vendor services are among the trends SunGard sees shaping the industry four-and-a-half months out from the Jan. 1, 2014, implementation of key Obamacare provisions.
8/6/2013
Insurance companies may push back against the Financial Stability Board's designation of nine companies as G-SIIs, but history shows that even prominent firms can stumble when it comes to financial and investment management.
7/19/2013
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction study finds appraisal, settlement satisfaction are affected by spike in total loss claims from Superstorm Sandy and other Mid-Atlantic region storm events.
7/18/2013
Demonstrating compliance effectiveness and complying with federal regulations are other top priorities, according to annual SAI Global Compliance Study.
7/17/2013
Julia K. Davis hired as SVP/CIO; former CIO at American Safety Insurance replaces Michael Boyle, who has left the insurer.
7/16/2013
In their new roles, Steven Budzynski will implement new sourcing and procurement strategy, and Patrick McAllister will be responsible for strategic asset allocation and portfolio construction.
7/16/2013
ISO’s ClaimDirector fraud analytics service will help the P&C carrier spot fraud earlier in the claims process.
7/9/2013
Torus' Dermot O'Donohoe adds Group CEO responsibilities to current role as Chief Executive, Torus International.
6/25/2013
Big data and regulatory change are two factors in risk management's increased complexity and importance for the insurance industry.
6/7/2013
As with mobile and social media, insurance company employees increasingly expect to have access to analytics and big data capabilities.
6/4/2013
Industry experts are warning that if insurance companies don’t master analytics and big data, someone else will — presenting a devastating competitive challenge.
6/3/2013
Strong sales cultures within insurance organizations won't be fading, but they're sure to be reshaped by the IT megatrends of big data, mobility and social media.
5/31/2013
Insurance & Technology reached out to attendees of the upcoming 2013 IASA Conference in Washington, D.C., to find out what they’ll be looking out for at the industry trade show.
5/28/2013
A new Microsoft survey across 32 countries shows worker appetite for social tools is increasing. However, financial services firms may not be prepared to satisfy this appetite.
5/21/2013
Credit risk management expert Paul Narayanan most recently headed Credit Risk Analytics at AIG Property Casualty.
5/15/2013
Rules-based short form is designed to simplify application process and facilitate sales.
5/13/2013
Among a roster of recent appointments and promotions announced by Selective Insurance were George Neale as SVP, Chief Claims Officer, and John Bresney as SVP, Application Delivery Services.
5/9/2013
Gordon Gaudet, most recently director and co-lead of Deloitte Consulting's Insurance Core Systems Transformation practice, will have responsibility for all IT operations at the P&C insurer.
5/7/2013
UNIT4 Business Software offers guidelines for implementing finance accounting software to support growth.
4/23/2013
Former Zurich General Insurance executive Monique Hesseling joins the industry standards group as VP and chief standards officer, a new position.
4/22/2013
There's been much debate about the best way to encourage employee productivity. Insurance & Technology's IT Resource Management Guide offers insights into this challenge and other strategies for getting the most out of staff, budget and IT partners.
3/18/2013
Big data is a hot topic across the insurance industry, but many carriers are stymied by the challenges of making a business case for the types of systems and infrastructure investments required to support a big data strategy, says Martina Conlon, a principal in the insurance practice of Novarica.
3/18/2013
Many factors contribute to the continuing difficulty insurers have in making an effective business case for big data investments.
2/14/2013
A world of increased connectivity has rendered the humor of shows like ‘Seinfeld’ obsolete, and threatens to upend insurers as well.
2/12/2013
Joseph Swedish, a 40-year healthcare industry veteran, is charged with driving collaboration with providers to improve outcomes and reduce the costs of care.
1/22/2013
Former Senator Ben Nelson brings legislative, regulatory and executive experience to CEO role.
1/18/2013
Insurers' claims systems appear to have been up to the challenge of handling Superstorm Sandy claims. The same can't always be said for the industry's leadership and communication, however.
1/11/2013
Sorting through the rhetoric, recognition and razzing around the insurance industry’s efforts to resolve claims from Superstorm Sandy.
1/8/2013
Implementation of FireLight solution will provide distributors with a mobile platform that takes them "from illustration to application."
1/4/2013
According to the insurer's 2012 Natural Catastrophe Year in Review report, Superstorm Sandy and the summer's drought caused record losses in the U.S., although globally losses were lower than in 2011.
12/19/2012
Mobility and consumerization initiatives were popular themes in I&T’s most-read stories this year. But technologists also flocked to stories about the workplace, including communication tips, innovation examples and salary outlook.
12/18/2012
As insurers get closer to managing risk across the enterprise, they could face some unexpected legal challenges.
11/30/2012
Hot topics at Insurance & Technology’s recent Executive Summit in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., included the need to align insurance marketing and IT functions, how to overcome barriers to customer engagement, and an assessment of the insurance industry’s initial response to Superstorm Sandy (which occurred less than one week before the Executive Summit). Along with the discussion was high-level networking and I&T’s annual Elite 8 Awards Ceremony. Participants in this year’
11/14/2012
Cost savings may be the primary driver for insurers to adopt the cloud and virtualization, but the cloud's real potential is as a means of innovation and competitive advantage.
11/12/2012
With eye on the future, AIG returns core insurance operations to AIG brand; "AIG as a global insurance brand is back," declares president and CEO Robert Benmosche, in explaining new branding and "brand promise" strategy.
11/9/2012
Regardless of the implications for the insurance industry of the reelection of Barack Obama as U.S. president, insurers are still facing an increasingly complex and tech-driven competitive environment.
11/9/2012
Crum & Forster to deploy Accenture Duck Creek P&C software to help streamline processes, better serve customers and drive growth.
11/6/2012
Allstate and Allstate New Jersey say tropical cyclone and hurricane deductibles on property policies will not be applied for Northeast and several Mid-Atlantic states affected by last week's superstorm.
11/5/2012
Sandy's Aftermath: ispatches from Hoboken, New Jersey; reflections on community, loss, and the possible role of the insurance and banking industries.
10/29/2012
Sandy appears to be that once-in-a-lifetime storm; it's too early to know what the costs will be, but insurers' responses will be in the spotlight.
10/19/2012
Insurance & Technology's 2012 Elite 8 honorees have been at the forefront of insurance IT's transformation into a critical driver of smart innovation.
10/17/2012
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance SVP and CIO Greg Clancy has overseen the replacement of nearly all of the company's primary systems. And he had to remake the IT organization in the process.
10/12/2012
Insurance & Technology offers a sneak peek into some of the insights -- from big data to innovation -- that will be revealed at this year’s Executive Summit.
10/5/2012
In addition to technology, insurers must deal with talent, culture, and governance within their own companies to support their big data efforts.
9/10/2012
"Back to business" in the post-9/11 era has also meant many changes in routine business activities.
9/6/2012
It's harder than ever to secure an increasingly mobile-based enterprise while also improving customer engagement. But insurance companies must shoulder the security burden.
8/29/2012
Concerns about strategy and growth drove WellPoint CEO Braly's resignation; health insurer's board states, "Now is the right time for a leadership change" in explanation of the decision.
8/28/2012
Mobile apps, social media and the availability of real-time content give everyone -- from insurance company actuaries to private citizens -- sophisticated capabilities to prepare for natural catastrophes, such as the looming Hurricane Isaac.
8/24/2012
The scope, destruction and costs of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 forced the insurance industry to revamp everything from risk forecasting to claims management. Marsh's Chief Operating Officer William Pieroni says technology has been key to helping insurers up their game when it comes to catastrophe response.
8/24/2012
Technology, regulation, construction and the P&C insurance industry itself all have changed since – and in some instances, because of – Hurricane Andrew, the category 5 storm that made landfall in south Florida on August 24, 1992. Here are eight ways that the catastrophe changed the way insurance companies do business.
8/21/2012
Hurricane Andrew caused more than $26 billion in reported damage, but also inspired the insurance industry to transform the ways it manages claims and provides customer service. Insurance & Technology examines the changes, challenges and lessons learned from Hurricane Andrew in a series of special reports.
8/21/2012
In the 20 years since Hurricane Andrew hit south Florida on August 24, 1992, there have been more damaging hurricanes and natural catastrophes, but no other event has had as much impact on the insurance industry. To kick off I&T’s special coverage of Hurricane Andrew’s 20th anniversary, here’s a look at the catastrophe and how it has changed the industry.
8/21/2012
IBM's recently named CEO has been in the headlines, not because of a big deal or technology announcement, but because of golf club Augusta National's now-rescinded no-women-members policy. What's wrong with this picture?
8/17/2012
Progressive's "robotweet" debacle put a spotlight on social media's importance within the insurance industry and the risk companies take if they do not implement a sound social media strategy.
7/26/2012
Just because the background of Yahoo’s high-profile new CEO, former Google executive Marissa Mayer, is in engineering doesn’t mean she doesn’t have some valuable insights about customer experience and engagement. As insurers grapple with these concepts, it could be helpful to review these insights from the woman who is charged with putting them into practice at long-struggling Yahoo.
7/26/2012
Mark Stergio named CEO of Risk Sciences Group; longtime insurance tech exec will lead strategy focused on helping clients control the costs of risk.
7/25/2012
Allstate crowdsources to test usage-based insurance product; employee, agency owner testing of Drive Wise product will provide telematics feedback about driving habits.
7/24/2012
Policy administration modernization and replacement projects traditionally have been among the most costly, complex and risky initiatives insurance IT organizations oversee. There's got to be a better way, and an increasing number of insurers are looking for alternatives.
7/24/2012
CNO names Bruce Baude EVP, Chief Operations and Technology Officer.