Kristen Bessette is Chief Data Officer at Zurich US, where she leads enterprise data management, advanced analytics, and AI capabilities to support business performance and innovation. Her career began in actuarial science, progressing through increasingly senior roles, including Chief Actuary for multiple business units. This early experience as a business leader and internal consumer of data and analytics has shaped her perspective on how data teams can deliver the greatest impact.
Prior to joining Zurich, Kristen served as Chief Actuary, Data and Analytics Officer at QBE North America and held a range of senior leadership roles at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Across these positions, Kristen built a reputation for driving growth and turning around business units, applying her quantitative expertise to risk assessment, pricing, and broader strategic decision-making.
At Zurich, Kristen is responsible for overseeing data strategy, governance, and the development of advanced analytics and AI-driven products. She focuses on embedding data and analytics into core business processes to improve outcomes and support more informed decision-making.
Beyond her executive roles, Kristen has been actively involved in the insurance industry. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Spencer Educational Foundation and the Casualty Actuaries of New England, and has contributed to regulatory and industry initiatives, including the Florida Commission on Hurricane Loss Projection Methodology.
Kristen is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Bates College.
As a data and AI leader, which traits and skills do you think matter most, and which of those have been most influential for you in your current position?
“I think the skills needed to be effective in data and AI are largely the same as they would be in any leadership role. In most teams, communication skills, listening skills, curiosity, resiliency, empathy, and clarity of vision and goals are keys to success.
“You need to understand what the business is trying to do and be able to convey that to your team and motivate them appropriately to deliver on your part of the bargain.”
Reflecting on your career, what is one non-traditional piece of advice (outside of technical skills) you would give to an aspiring data or AI leader aiming for the C-suite?
“Learn as much as you can about the business you’re in and build your network. That will serve you well in both your current and future jobs. And don’t be afraid to try something new or undefined; you may find out that you don’t like it, but you will have learned something that you can take to your next role.”