ACORD, the insurance industry’s standards-setting body, has appointed John Kellington as chief executive officer, bringing an experienced insurance technology executive back to the organisation.

Kellington most recently served as executive vice president and chief information officer at Cincinnati Insurance, where he spent more than 16 years. He previously worked at ACORD from 2007 to 2010 as senior vice president overseeing standards development, information technology, corporate finance and membership, and later served on the organisation’s board.

During his time at Cincinnati Insurance, Kellington applied ACORD’s architecture-led IT model to the insurer’s technology operations. He was also instrumental in developing the ACORD Reference Architecture, which provides models covering capabilities, processes, information and technology components across the insurance industry.

ACORD said the framework has helped improve the industry’s technical capabilities and interoperability.

“John’s experience and success in implementing data standards marks him as the most fitting champion to advance ACORD’s mission and help create a more digitally connected and efficient insurance industry,” said ACORD Board Chair Robert Kelly, founder, managing director and CEO of Steadfast Group.

Kellington’s appointment comes as insurers and technology providers increasingly focus on standardised data and connected infrastructure to support digital transformation and AI adoption.

ACORD’s membership includes hundreds of major insurers, reinsurers, brokers, agencies, technology providers and industry associations across property/casualty, life, annuity, reinsurance and specialty lines.

The organisation develops and maintains insurance data standards, data models, architecture, standardised forms and other tools designed to improve efficiency and interoperability across the industry.