Emtech Group Podcast
Episode #5: Navigating the Strategic Role of QA in the Insurance Industry
Summary
In this episode of the Emtech Group Podcast, Kevin Kelly, who has extensive experience in the life and annuity sector, including 17 years at New York Life, discusses the critical role of IT and quality assurance (QA) in the insurance industry. He emphasizes the importance of aligning technology strategies with business objectives, particularly in large insurance companies where IT is a strategic enabler rather than just a support function. Kelly explains that his focus as a CIO was not only on managing IT operations but also on working closely with business peers to drive growth, operational excellence, and distribution efficiency.
Kelly highlights the importance of integrating quality into every aspect of the business, rather than treating QA as an afterthought. He notes that errors in data flow between systems can lead to significant challenges, affecting not just operations but also the company’s reputation. By fostering a quality-oriented mindset and embedding QA into product development and operational processes, companies can achieve better outcomes, from faster application processing to improved customer satisfaction. Kelly advises smaller and mid-sized insurance firms to view QA as a strategic enabler, essential for maintaining high standards and driving business success.
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The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emtech Group Inc.
Featuring
Kevin Kelly
Kevin is a former Fortune 100 executive and currently serves as a strategic advisor for CIOs and their leadership teams. He is recognized for his expertise in organizational and technology transformation, product development, and aligning technology strategies with business goals. His career includes leadership roles at major organizations where he successfully delivered large-scale transformation programs and optimized technology initiatives. Kevin holds a BS in Computer Science and an MBA from the University of Texas.

Gary Tyreman
Gary is passionate about software products and their impact on businesses. He has over 25 years of experience in the software industry, including guiding a company turn-around and building a top-3 global high-performance computing software company. He is a seasoned leader in change management.
