ACORD, the global standards-setting organisation for the insurance sector, has appointed four new members: Kasey Connors, Nidhi Howell, Christina Lucas, and Spero Zacharias to its Board of Directors.
Zacharias, Senior Vice President, Global Information Technology Major Initiatives at Chubb, will chair the Board. At Chubb, he directs a portfolio of cyber security programs supporting operations across 54 countries and all commercial and consumer lines of business, from pet and crop insurance to life and general insurance.
Zacharias is a senior leader in financial services, with over three decades of experience in insurance technology, cyber security, and related fields. His decades of volunteer service in the ACORD community have included terms as both Chair (2017 to 2019) and Vice-Chair of the ACORD Board of Directors.
All of the new members bring deep expertise across insurance and technology, reflecting ASG’s commitment to advancing next-generation standardised data exchange and industry connectivity.
Currently, Connors is the Executive Director, Big “I” Agents Council for Technology (ACT), leading industry collaboration focused on advancing technology, improving data quality, and supporting responsible AI adoption across the independent insurance channel.
She has over 15 years of experience in association leadership and marketing, and brings a strong agency and industry perspective to conversations around data standards, interoperability, and emerging technology. She is actively involved in multiple national initiatives that promote collaboration, governance, and practical technology adoption.
Howell is the Chief Business Technology Officer of Lockton Re, a delivery‑focused and commercially aligned technology leader with over 20 years’ experience supporting critical technology and transformation programs for global organisations.
At Lockton Re, her remit includes shaping technology strategy, overseeing major transformation initiatives, and ensuring technology enables sustainable growth, operational excellence, and effective risk management. Previously, she held senior technical and change management roles at Marsh, and leadership positions in multiple industry DEI initiatives.
Lucas is Global Market Leader for Insurance at Google Cloud, where she spearheads strategy at the intersection of insurance and technology, driving digital transformation, and enterprise optimisation across the US, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Previously, she served as President of Envista Forensics, Global Head of Industry Advisory at Guidewire, and also held several senior executive roles at AIG, including Global Head of Claims Business Performance. She also serves on various industry boards and advisory councils, including NAAIA New York and the Insurance Brokers’ Association of New York.
Chris Newman, President and Chief Executive Officer, ACORD Solutions Group, commented, “Each of these accomplished industry leaders brings a unique perspective and proven track record in driving digital transformation at scale. Their insights will be invaluable as we continue to serve the global insurance industry by giving it the tools to achieve new levels of efficiency, data quality, and interconnectivity.”
Zacharias added, “Having worked with the ACORD community for many years, I’ve seen firsthand the power of digital, standardised data exchange. ACORD Solutions Group is driven by that same spirit of industry collaboration, belief in maximising the value of data, and commitment to solving complex challenges. I look forward to supporting their mission of accelerating digital transformation across the industry.”
