Tech veteran Marj Hutchings joins Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies as CIO, set to drive IT innovations

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC), Workers Compensation Division, has announced the appointment of Marj Hutchings as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO). This strategic move comes as BHHC seeks to advance its technological capabilities and streamline its IT operations. With 35 years of experience in the technology sector, including 27 years within the insurance industry, Hutchings will be responsible for overseeing the administration, daily operations, and strategic planning of BHHC’s IT organisation.

The appointment of Marj Hutchings marks a significant step for BHHC as it looks to enhance its technology infrastructure. Prior to joining BHHC, Hutchings served as the CIO at State Fund, where she was instrumental in replacing multiple independent systems with a unified software suite. Her previous roles also include substantial work on property and casualty claims systems, customer-facing web platforms, and the implementation of private cloud infrastructure. Hutchings was also an original member of the technology team at Esurance, an Allstate company, where she focused on leveraging advanced technology to drive business strategy.

Rob Darby, President and CEO of BHHC Workers Compensation, expressed confidence in Hutchings’ appointment. He described her as an exceptional technology leader with a proven track record in modernizing applications, data security, and cloud implementation. Darby noted that Hutchings’ extensive experience aligns well with BHHC’s strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and deliver superior service and data security to policyholders and agency partners.

Marj Hutchings holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Computer Information Systems from Northern Arizona University and is a Leadership Fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). Her extensive background in technology management and her ability to lead complex projects make her a valuable addition to the BHHC leadership team.

Rob Darby further emphasised that Hutchings’ appointment is expected to drive forward the company’s IT initiatives and innovation. Her role will be critical in ensuring that BHHC remains at the forefront of technology in the workers compensation insurance sector, enhancing both operational capabilities and service quality.

The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, are a group of six insurance carriers under the Berkshire Hathaway insurance group. With over 50 years in business, BHHC has grown from a regional carrier to a national insurance group, offering a diverse range of policies across the United States. The companies include Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Insurance Company, BHHC Special Risks Insurance Company, Continental Divide Insurance Company, Cypress Insurance Company, Oak River Insurance Company, and Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company.

The appointment of Marj Hutchings as CIO positions BHHC to continue its innovation and growth within the workers compensation insurance sector. Hutchings’ expertise and leadership are anticipated to play a pivotal role in driving the company’s technological advancements and strategic objectives.