Westfield's New CIO, Lloyd Scholz, Aims to Revolutionize Tech Strategy
Westfield's New Strategic Direction Under Lloyd Scholz
In a significant announcement that signals Westfield's commitment to modernizing its technology strategy, the company has appointed Lloyd Scholz as its new Enterprise Chief Information Officer (CIO). This change comes as Westfield seeks to enhance its position not only in the U.S. property and casualty insurance market but also in global operations.
Background of Lloyd Scholz
With over 25 years in technology leadership roles, Scholz joins Westfield with a wealth of experience. His most recent position was at Markel, where he functioned as the Senior Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer. There, he was responsible for overseeing global teams and spearheading major modernization initiatives, including advancements in enterprise architecture, cloud engineering, and software development across various regions, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
Before his tenure at Markel, Scholz spent 16 years at Capital One, where he honed his skills in data engineering and enterprise technology transformation. His impressive background has positioned him to play a pivotal role in supporting Westfield's ambitious technology initiatives.
Vision for the Future
At Westfield, Scholz will report directly to CEO and Board Chair Ed Largent. In his new role, he is tasked with an expansive set of responsibilities aimed at integrating technology with business goals. "Technology is central to how we execute our strategy," Largent stated. He emphasized that Scholz's experience in large-scale modernization and data strategy will be essential in unlocking further value from Westfield's technology investments.
Scholz's appointment underscores Westfield's strategic focus on technology as a vital component for serving customers and distribution partners effectively. His aim is to harness technology to not only support ongoing operations but also foster innovation and integrate various business units for long-term success.
Embracing Change
Commenting on his new position, Scholz expressed enthusiasm about joining Westfield during this pivotal phase of growth. He believes the company's commitment to technology, data, and artificial intelligence provides a robust foundation for shaping future success. "I look forward to partnering with teams across the enterprise to strengthen that foundation and advance capabilities that support innovation," he affirmed.
This sentiment is echoed by Largent, who noted that the creation of the Enterprise CIO role demonstrates Westfield's proactive approach to technological advancement.
Westfield's Global Ambitions
Founded in 1848, Westfield has established itself as a leader in property and casualty insurance, now boasting revenues exceeding $4 billion and assets exceeding $11 billion. As the company looks to expand its footprint internationally, the introduction of Scholz into the leadership team is a critical step toward achieving those aspirations. By solidifying its technology leadership, Westfield aims to better position itself during a period of unprecedented change and opportunity in the insurance sector.
In conclusion, with Lloyd Scholz at the helm of technology, Westfield is poised to navigate the complexities of modernizing its infrastructure while advancing its operational capabilities. His leadership will be instrumental in driving the company’s vision forward as it expands its reach in the global marketplace.