#United States #MIT Sloan #Cambridge #CIO Leadership #Monica Caldas

MIT Sloan CIO Symposium Highlights Leadership in IT

The annual MIT Sloan CIO Symposium has long been a beacon for recognizing leadership in the realm of information technology. In 2025, the spotlight has turned to Monica Caldas, the Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Liberty Mutual Insurance, who has been awarded the highly esteemed CIO Leadership Award. This recognition underscores her exceptional contributions to the field and her ability to leverage technology to create significant business value.

Monica Caldas has been a pivotal figure at Liberty Mutual since 2018, where she initially took on the role of global chief information officer for the company's retail markets. Since joining, Caldas has spearheaded a transformational journey, guiding the global technology organization of one of the world’s largest property and casualty insurers. Her vision and strategic insight have not only fostered an integrated approach towards innovation but also ensured that the technological capabilities align with the organization’s broader goals.

Dr. George Westerman, Co-Chair of the Awards Committee, expressed his admiration for Caldas, stating, "We are pleased to present the 2025 CIO Leadership Award to Monica Caldas, who showcases how modern CIOs can redefine their roles in IT leadership." He emphasized how this year's finalists exemplify the evolving landscape of IT leadership and the standards that fellow CIOs should aim to achieve.

Caldas is celebrated not just for her professional accomplishments, but also for her commitment to fostering diversity within the technology sector. She is a staunch advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and actively sponsors initiatives like the Liberty Encouraging Girls in Technology team, which is part of Liberty Mutual's Women in Technology group. This dedication to empowering diverse voices in technology is a testament to her leadership philosophy.

In recognition of her contributions, Caldas received multiple accolades prior to this award, including being named a Women in Insurance Leadership Honoree in 2022 by Digital Insurance and being highlighted as one of the 100 most influential Hispanic leaders in technology by the Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council.

Caldas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Management Information Systems from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from Pennsylvania State University, showcasing a strong educational background that complements her extensive experience in the industry.

During her acceptance speech, Caldas noted, "I am deeply honored to receive this award, and I want to share this moment with my incredibly talented team and partners. Together, we have crafted a culture of resilience, innovation, and collaboration that allows us to push boundaries and achieve the extraordinary. At Liberty Mutual, we don’t just see technology as a resource; we recognize its potential to transform how we serve our customers."

The award presentation took place during the Leadership Award Dinner of the Symposium on May 20, amidst a gathering of global CIOs and digital business leaders. Alongside Caldas, two other esteemed finalists were recognized: Dimitris Bountolos, Chief Information and Innovation Officer at Ferrovial, and Bill Pappas, Head of Global Technology and Operations at MetLife. Their presence highlighted a robust competition among today's tech leaders, all of whom are making strides in how businesses engage with technology.

The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium remains a premier event for CIOs and digital executives, offering insights into emerging technologies, strategic practices, and networking opportunities with both academic experts and industry leaders. Attendees leave the event equipped with actionable knowledge that empowers them to navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape better.

For those interested in exploring the nuances of technology leadership, the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is an unmissable platform. This year’s event further reinforced its status as a pivotal conference delivering valuable insights to help shape the future of the IT landscape.