Chief Information Officer, GBS Financial

Gallagher•Rolling Meadows, IL

About The Position

At Gallagher Benefit Services, you’re a trusted partner to organizations navigating some of their most important people decisions. We help clients build better workplaces, where people feel supported, empowered, and inspired to thrive. Whether it’s shaping benefit strategies, designing wellbeing programs, or advising on workforce challenges, the work you do here creates meaningful change for businesses and the people who power them. We’re a community of bold explorers, trusted experts, and compassionate partners; working side by side to solve problems, and shape the future of work. Here, curiosity is encouraged, collaboration is second nature, and your ideas have room to grow. If you’re looking for a place where your contribution matters and where you can help build a better world of work; think of Gallagher. We are seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the GBS Financial Business Line. The CIO will play a critical role in aligning technology strategies with business objectives, driving innovation, and ensuring the delivery of secure, scalable, and efficient technology solutions. This role requires a leader with deep expertise in retirement consulting, financial planning, and life insurance brokerage technologies, as well as a proven ability to lead cross-functional global teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree. Advanced Degree desired.
10–15+ years of technology leadership experience in financial services and life insurance.
Proven history in digital transformation, regulatory compliance, and technology innovation in a financial consulting environment.
Experience with relevant systems: global retirement defined benefits & contribution plan & administration platforms, investment analytics, CRM, life & annuity brokerage software, financial planning software.
Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Strategic thinking and business acumen in financial services.
Familiarity with advanced analytics, AI/ML, and other emerging technologies.
Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks (ERISA, SEC, FINRA, fiduciary standards).
Experience successfully managing an IT Control environment including alignment with Sarbanes-Oxley, SOC, GAAP, COBIT, ISO and ITIL.
Experience operating, leading, and managing at a global scale.
Experience leading a digital program and delivering a data transformation program. (Experience of delivery is critical)
Ability to be initiative-taking, anticipating business needs in advance and providing workable solutions.
Cultural awareness and the ability to successfully influence and engage colleagues and leaders in a multi-cultural and multi-geographical business.
Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with many diverse constituencies and stakeholders and appropriately calibrate demand and capacity to meet business expectations for outcomes and spend.
Ability to demonstrate strategic thinking and value add at executive committee level.
Proven track record of success in leading the technology work streams of merger integrations/acquisitions.
Ability to manage cost and budget with strong analytical and commercial thinking.
Ability to innovate and provide next generation thinking for the issues facing the insurance business today.
Effective use of judgement and consideration in problem solving and decision making.
Demonstrated success in a matrixed organization, with the ability to engage and motivate colleagues both across geographies and at all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the technology strategy for the Financial Business Line, ensuring alignment with the overall business goals and objectives.
Shape and execute the technology roadmap for GBS Financial, aligning with GBS and Gallagher’s corporate strategy and the unique needs of life insurance, retirement, investments, and wealth management consulting.
Collaborate with practice leaders and merger partners to integrate acquired technology and tools aligning with the business line technology strategy and roadmap.
Identify emerging technologies and trends to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the market.
Collaborate with senior leadership to define and implement digital transformation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and client experience reshaping the journey for both internal and external clients.
Collaborate with business leaders to identify technology-driven opportunities for revenue growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced fiduciary oversight.
Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of systems and platforms to support Business Line operations.
Ensure the security, scalability, and reliability of technology infrastructure, with a focus on data protection and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Optimize IT processes and systems to reduce costs, improve performance, and enhance service delivery.
Work with business line and functional leadership to continually rationalize the application portfolio, consisting of applications added organically and acquired from M&As, to minimize vendors, applications, complexity, and cost.
Ensure the ongoing operation of software applications meets requirements for performance, availability, recoverability, compliance, and security.
Lead the selection, negotiation, and ongoing management of third-party vendors for financial technologies, ensuring alignment with SLAs and organizational goals. Accountable for development of IT performance metrics specific to the Business Line required to operate efficiently and effectively.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global IT team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and partners to ensure effective delivery of technology solutions.
Develop and implement robust risk management strategies to protect the business line technology assets and data.
Ensure technology solutions meet regulatory requirements (ERISA, SEC, FINRA, etc.) and industry best practices for data security, compliance, and client confidentiality.
Manage the IT budget for the business line, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources and alignment with business priorities.
Evaluate and negotiate contracts with technology vendors and service providers to maximize value and minimize risk.
Drive the adoption of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, digital solutions, and other cutting-edge technologies to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
Lead initiatives to modernize legacy systems and integrate new technologies to support growth and scalability.
Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes across all business lines and country districts, providing strategic guidance and thought leadership to the IT Leadership team as well as to GBS leadership.

Benefits

Medical/dental/vision plans, which start from day one!
Life and accident insurance
401(K) and Roth options
Tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA)
Educational expense reimbursement
Paid parental leave
Digital mental health services (Talkspace)
Flexible work hours (availability varies by office and job function)
Training programs
Gallagher Thrive program – elevating your health through challenges, workshops and digital fitness programs for your overall wellbeing
Charitable matching gift program