JF

Jim Fowler

Chief Technology Officer

Jim Fowler – Chief Technology Officer, Nationwide



Professional Role and Responsibilities


Jim Fowler serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest and most diversified financial services and insurance companies in the United States. In this strategic role, Jim is responsible for leading Nationwide's technology strategy, IT capabilities, and business transformation programs.

  • Experience at Nationwide: Joined the company in 2018 and immediately contributed significantly by driving growth, productivity, and innovation through the application of technology. Fowler has also navigated the company through significant changes, including the COVID-19 pandemic transition to remote working.

  • Previous Experience: Before Nationwide, Fowler was the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at General Electric (GE), where he led global IT strategy, services, operations, and internal digital transformation. He also held IT roles at NCR and Accenture, bringing over two decades of experience in information technology and systems management.


Educational Background


  • Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and Marketing from Miami University

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Xavier University

  • Certified Six Sigma Black Belt


Board and Advisory Positions


  • Information Systems Advisory Board at Miami University

  • National Board Member of YearUp

  • Board Member at Lumen Technologies


Achievements and Recognitions


  • Named 2022 Ohio CIO of the Year ORBIE Awards Leadership Recipient

  • Received the CIO Innovation Award by Forbes

  • Recognized for orchestrating the digital transformation and successfully leading eight of Nationwide’s ten business units to implement new transactional systems for improved operational efficiency.


Key Projects and Initiatives


  • Adoption of Generative AI: Fowler has emphasized the role of AI in enhancing business operations at Nationwide, particularly through predictive modeling and automation in underwriting, clerical, and HR processes.

  • Digital Transformation Leadership: Instrumental in the consolidation and modernization of technology across Nationwide, including the transition to newer, comprehensive transactional systems.


Publications and Appearances


  • LinkedIn Activity: Regularly shares insights and updates through his LinkedIn profile, including posts about Nationwide's innovations and his thoughts on technology trends.

  • Interviews and Panels: Frequently participates in interviews and panels discussing digital transformation, leadership, and AI. For instance, he provided insights into the use of AI and generative AI during a November 2023 Q&A session.


Philosophy and Leadership Style


  • Transparency and Communication: Prioritizes clear communication and transparency in all initiatives. Believes in setting clear problem statements, measurements, and improvements before digitization.

  • Customer-Centric Approach: Ensures that transformations and implementations keep the customer at the forefront, which is vital for achieving true digital transformation.

  • Team Performance: Focuses on team achievements and collaboration over individual accolades, fostering a culture of collective success at Nationwide.


Future Vision


Jim Fowler sees the evolving role of the CTO in the insurance industry as increasingly focused on research and development (R&D) and engineering leadership. He envisions technology playing a pivotal role in advancing products and services, making the technology function an integral part of the business strategy at Nationwide.

Online Profiles and Further Information





This report emphasizes Jim Fowler's extensive expertise and influential role at Nationwide, underlining his contributions to technological innovation and digital transformation.