What’s New in 2002?

2001 proved to be a difficult year, but that didn't stop past tech-savvy CEO honorees from setting records and giving back to their communities.

Renwick Brings Progressive to Profitability

Guiding Progressive back to profitability, says GLENN RENWICK, CEO, Progressive Insurance (Mayfield Village, OH), has been one of his biggest professional accomplishments since being named one of Insurance & Technology's 2001 CEO Tech All-Stars. Two current Progressive initiatives about which Renwick says he is very excited are personal.progressive.com and the company's investment in technology to improve independent agents' ease of doing business with Progressive Insurance .

Looking toward the future, Renwick plans to remain committed to using the e-transaction model for design and brand definition. "We will re-engineer the physical damage claims experience," says Renwick. Also, "we will be sure we have 'designed-in' customer retention. And we will continue to make Progressive a great place to work," Renwick says.

Benmosche Targets Systems Integration

Since being named to the 2000 class of Tech-Savvy CEOs, ROBERT H. BENMOSCHE, chairman and CEO, MetLife, received the Herbert Hoover Humanitarian Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and was named one of Crain's New York Business 2001 All-Stars.

MetLife's qualities were tested after September 11, according to Benmosche. However, he adds, "we were able to serve our customers and communities during that difficult time, including investing $1 billion in publicly traded stocks."

Current MetLife initiatives include efforts toward integration and consolidation, as well as self-service and enterprise platforms.

"Coming to a close are efforts migrating MetLife affiliates onto the same operating platform," reports Benmosche. "Future initiatives will include the creation of a client information file. It will help us better serve our customers by having information on all policies our customers hold with MetLife and our affiliates, accessible through a single system of record making it easier to change information on every policy the customer has," according to Benmosche.

Senkler Receives Humanitarian Award

Since being named one of 2000's Most Tech-Savvy CEOs, BOB SENKLER, Minnesota Life, has received a humanitarian award from BestPrep, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide Minnesota students with skills to face economic challenges.

The company has faced its own challenges, Senkler notes, adding that the past year tested Minneapolis-based Minnesota Life's strategic plans. "Minnesota Life didn't escape the effects of the economic downturn," he says. "But we survived it in excellent shape, compared to the rest of the financial services industry."

The carrier is currently in the process of expanding distribution for several product lines. It also plans to utilize video and Web conferencing with its field force and offer an online advice service for retirement plan participants.

Salzmann To Get Rid of Paper

"Acuity has a lot to be proud of right now," says 2001 CEO Tech All-Star BENJAMIN SALZMANN, president and CEO, Acuity (Sheboygan, WI). In addition to being the only P&C company on Fortune's 100 Best Places to Work, Acuity was named the national insurance company of the year by the Professional Independent Agents (PIA). "That's out of 3,000 companies!" exclaims Salzmann. Acuity also received an ACORD technology champion award and was named one of the 50 best-run companies by Ward Financial Company (Pittsburgh) .

Currently, a major Acuity initiative is work towards a completely paperless commercial business process. "In two-thirds of Acuity's commercial business the underwriters are not working with any paper," explains Salzmann. "By the end of the year, it should be completely paperless."