
Karthik Balakrishnan
Position
- EAC Member
Karthik Balakrishnan is the global Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO) at Principal Financial Group. In this role, he is responsible for modernizing Principal's data/analytics strategy, culture, execution, and establishing best practices for AI, analytics, data management, and data governance. Prior to joining Principal in 2021, Karthik was senior vice president at Verisk, one of the largest analytics pure-play companies in the world. In that role, he had full P&L responsibility for their loT/Telematics business including sales, product development, technology, data science, and data management functions.
Karthik has 25 years of experience developing and leading data/analytics and product functions at Verisk, Allstate Insurance, and Fireman's Fund/Allianz Insurance Company. He has also worked at two start-up companies, including one as President and CEO.
Karthik earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Iowa State University, specializing in AI. He has over 40 trade and research publications and a book on Intelligent Agents from MIT Press. He is an active speaker and contributor to conferences and industry events.