Responsible for overall technology strategy at Distinguished Group, Rich Kearns brings more than 20 years of experience implementing and managing technology in the insurance industry. Rich plays a vital role making sure our systems and technology keep us running efficiently—we simply couldn’t operate without him!
Hear directly from Rich on what he values most about his job, his journey to Distinguished, and what he’s listening to these days.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?
RK: There are many things I like about my job but two things come to mind. First, I enjoy working with the intelligent, collaborative, and forward-thinking group of employees we have at Distinguished. Second, I feel that a common goal we are working towards is to bring a modern, efficient, and electronic approach and vision to the insurance segment we are in.
Q: Tell us about your journey to get to where you are now?
RK: After graduating college with an engineering degree, I was hired by the consulting firm Accenture. During my 13-year stint with Accenture, I was able to work on many strategic technology projects for large insurance companies including Marsh, Chubb, Allstate, State Farm, and RSA in both the claims and underwriting areas. After my two sons were born, I wanted to reduce the amount of time I was traveling and I took jobs in the New York area with AIG and Endurance where I further developed my experience with specialty insurance and reinsurance. After about five years, I was looking for a new opportunity and was most fortunate to be hired by Distinguished for the CIO position.
Q: What’s on your playlist right now?
RK: I have broad taste in music but generally listen to alternate, rock and jazz music. Some of my favorite artists are Pearl Jam, Grateful Dead, The Strokes, Vampire Weekend, Phoenix, The Cure, John Coltrane. Recently, I went to the last Grateful Dead concert at Soldier Field in Chicago.
