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Aflac CIO Sheila Anderson’s Tech-Driven Modernization
Aflac, Inc., the largest provider of supplemental insurance in the United States with annual revenues of $19 billion, has been undergoing a transformative journey. At the helm of this change is Sheila Anderson, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, who has played a crucial role in driving Aflac’s technological advancements.
Anderson joined Aflac over two and a half years ago, bringing her expertise to centralize technology operations, improve financial transparency, and advance AI-driven innovation. Her vision aligns with the company’s mission of preparing individuals for unexpected events by filling gaps left by primary health insurance.
Upon taking on her role, Anderson inherited a complex technology ecosystem, shaped by years of acquisitions. To address this challenge, she quickly focused on centralizing all technology operations, merging previously independent systems into one unified platform. By doing so, she reduced complexity and risk while enhancing overall value to the company.
Anderson’s team also prioritized financial transparency by implementing a centralized system for monitoring technology investments. This strategic decision enabled Aflac to better understand where it was investing, why, and what outcomes were expected. With this new visibility, Anderson has ensured that all future investments align with business priorities, effectively streamlining operations.
Regarding cloud adoption, Anderson adopted a more measured approach than her predecessors. Rather than hastily migrating to the cloud without proper preparation, she prioritized internal readiness, educating teams and establishing a centralized cloud center of excellence. Aflac now adheres to a “three-R” strategy: choosing the right solution for the job, deploying it in the right place, and acquiring the right price.
The CIO is also dedicated to simplifying the customer experience by integrating various group business offerings under a single umbrella. Instead of replacing legacy systems entirely, her team is developing integration layers and modern front-ends to offer seamless services and unified interfaces.
Anderson’s approach extends beyond technology to talent optimization for the future. She recognized that successful transformation requires investing in people as much as it does in infrastructure. By mapping out a three-year roadmap and evaluating internal roles based on current and future needs, she has ensured that Aflac possesses the necessary skillset to support its strategic objectives.
To bolster the company’s innovation capacity, Anderson introduced updated job codes, compensation models, and career paths to retain and attract top talent. This comprehensive approach has led to a stronger core of internal talent at Aflac.
The CIO is particularly enthusiastic about the potential of agentic AI: intelligent systems that proactively act on behalf of users. She believes these technologies will revolutionize customer experiences in the near future, emphasizing their increasing maturity and capacity to drive automation.
Anderson’s emphasis on modernization, integration, and innovation has positioned Aflac for a future where its mission-driven heritage is coupled with cutting-edge technology.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterhigh/2025/03/30/aflac-cio-sheila-andersons-tech-driven-modernization/
