Southern Cross Travel Insurance chief technology officer Alexandra Smart was named New Zealand CIO of the year at an awards ceremony in Auckland last week.

Judges praised her as an “inspiring leader” whose vision and strategic execution have made technology a driver of business success.  

An AA Insurance project team won the business transformation through digital and IT award, with its ability to modernise a complex legacy business impressing the CIO Awards judges.

AA says more than 200 staff were involved in shaping and delivering a program alongside Suncorp Group to streamline systems.

“We’re honoured to be recognised for a transformation that’s not just about systems but about making life easier for our people and better for our customers,” AA chief transformation officer Mark Daniels said.  

“This award recognises how we’ve changed the way we work – not just with better tools, but by backing our people and making things simpler.”

The CIO Awards are run by events and marketing group Brightstar and IT consultant IDC Australia and New Zealand.