New York Life has appointed Zhen Zhao as Chief AI Officer to lead the company’s artificial intelligence strategy, platforms and execution. Zhao will oversee the development and delivery of advanced AI and data science solutions across the insurer, including agentic AI and machine learning capabilities.
The appointment reflects New York Life’s continued investment in using AI to improve the experiences of clients, insurance agents and financial advisors while maintaining an emphasis on responsible implementation.
Zhao will help establish the platforms, governance structures and operating capabilities needed to expand the use of AI throughout the organization.
New York Life said it plans to use the technology to improve internal workflows, support employees and help its agents and advisors deliver more seamless and valuable services to clients.
Zhao joins New York Life from Chubb, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President and Global Head of AI Platform.
At Chubb, he led global teams responsible for AI platform development, governance, machine learning operations and large language model operations.
His experience includes developing the technical and organizational infrastructure required to deploy AI across a large financial services company.
Before joining Chubb, Zhao held leadership positions at Barclays and Comcast.
In those roles, he led initiatives involving AI engineering, data platforms and machine learning innovation.
Zhao began his career as a software engineer at the People’s Bank of China.
Alongside his corporate leadership experience, Zhao has worked as a researcher and inventor. He holds multiple patents and serves as an adjunct associate professor at Temple University.
Zhao earned a doctorate and master’s degree in computer engineering from Drexel University. He also holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Sun Yat-sen University, also known as Zhongshan University.
As Chief AI Officer, Zhao will be responsible for translating New York Life’s AI objectives into enterprise platforms and practical applications.
His responsibilities will also include helping the insurer manage governance and operational considerations as it introduces more advanced AI systems into regulated financial and insurance workflows.
New York Life offers life insurance, disability income insurance, retirement income products, investments and long-term care insurance.
The company, founded in 1845, describes itself as the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States based on revenue reported in Fortune’s 2025 industry ranking.
KEY QUOTE:
“AI presents new opportunities to deliver more seamless experiences and greater value for the clients, agents and advisors who rely on New York Life.”
“Zhen’s leadership will be essential as we continue to apply AI responsibly and thoughtfully, enhancing human connection, improving how we work and helping our agents and advisors better serve clients for the long term.”
Deepa Soni, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of New York Life
