Kathy Kay is a senior IT executive who enables business success by driving simplicity in a complex world.
As executive vice president and CIO, Kay oversees the global technology and digital strategies for Principal Financial Group, where she is helping build the financial investment management and insurance company’s future. On a recent episode of the Tech Whisperers podcast, we explored Kay’s various roles as a builder, from building businesses, teams, and innovative ecosystems to building clarity, trust, and community.
Afterwards, we spent more time discussing how a mission-driven commitment to listening, learning, and pivoting to meet customer needs has been key to Principal’s longevity and its ability to remain future-ready. A true example of “drinking your own champagne,” Kay embodies and role models that commitment with her teams, inspiring a customer-centric approach to innovation and transformation. What follows is our conversation, edited for length and clarity.