Iowa
Technology
Summit
LEADERSHIP TRACK
The Evolution of the CEO-CIO Relationship
APR. 7 / 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM / EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW
About
As technology becomes increasingly central to business strategy, the partnership between the CEO and CIO continues to take on greater significance. In this executive interview, the CEO and CIO from Holmes Murphy reflect on how their collaboration has developed over time—how they align on priorities, approach complex decisions, and balance innovation with business outcomes.
Takeaways
Attendees will gain insight into how trust and communication strengthen executive alignment—and how that alignment at the top shapes performance, culture, and long-term organizational success.
Speakers
Dave Ashton
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Holmes Murphy
As a transformative leader with deep insights into the ever-evolving world of information technology, Chief Information Officer Dave Ashton plays a crucial role in propelling Holmes Murphy into the future. Dave strives to align our IT team’s capabilities with business needs through clear communication and strong collaborative relationships with leaders and employees.
Before joining Holmes Murphy in 2022, Dave spent nearly three decades with Principal Financial Group, serving as Head of Hong Kong for Principal International and Chief Executive for Principal Trust Company (Asia) Ltd. and Principal Insurance Company
(Hong Kong) Ltd. Dave was actively involved with multiple areas of the business and held several leadership roles, including Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer of Principal International.
Dave earned a bachelor’s in Management Information Systems with a minor in Computer Science from the University of Iowa, and he’s a Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) and Associate, Customer Service (ACS). Beyond work, Dave enjoys traveling, attending live sporting events and concerts, and spending time with his wife, Ann, and their sons, Jacob, Tyler, and Nicholas.
Dan Keough
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Holmes Murphy
Dan Keough is the Chairman & CEO of Holmes Murphy. His leadership has led to our company becoming one of the nation’s largest independent insurance brokerage firms. During his tenure, Dan has instilled a growth mindset, fostered a culture of care, and encouraged an entrepreneurial spirit. Dan’s intention around expanding ownership opportunities throughout the organization has allowed Holmes Murphy to perpetuate our unique shareholder model.
Prior to leading the enterprise, Dan co-founded Innovative Captive Strategies (ICS) in 1999. Today, ICS is Holmes Murphy’s largest subsidiary. Dan also co-founded BrokerTech Ventures (BTV) in 2019 and serves as co-CEO of the company. BTV is the first broker-led convening platform focused on delivering innovation to the broader insurance industry. BTV was created to help clients identify risks and lower costs and to increase collaboration and coopetition within the global insurance industry ecosystem.
Dan earned an MBA with a specialty in Finance from Loyola University Graduate School of Business, and he holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa.
Active in the community and industry, Dan serves on several boards including the Krause Group Advisory Board, Bankers Trust Community Board, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, Greater Des Moines Partnership, and Broadlawns
Medical Center. He previously served on boards for The Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, Des Moines Art Center, and Dowling Catholic Foundation. Dan is a member of Des Moines’ prestigious “Forty Under 40” business leadership hall of fame and was part of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Class of 2000.
MODERATOR
Susan Hatten
Chief Marking Officer
Holmes Murphy
Susan Hatten is the Chief Marketing Officer for Holmes Murphy, where she provides strategic leadership for enterprise marketing, brand direction, and sales enablement across the organization. Susan also oversees Holmes Murphy’s philanthropic and community engagement efforts through the Holmes Murphy Foundation, and she serves as Chief Operating Officer for BrokerTech Ventures, helping guide innovation and growth across the insurtech ecosystem.
Prior to joining Holmes Murphy, Susan led business development for Sigler Companies and Innova Ideas & Services—where she strengthened client partnerships and advanced integrated marketing initiatives. Since joining Holmes Murphy in 2014, she has contributed across the enterprise in roles spanning sales, strategy, and culture. From helping launch the Holmes Murphy Foundation and Holmes Murphy’s Women Optimizing Women (WOW) Employee Resource Group to being part of the founding team for BrokerTech Ventures, her career has been defined by connection, innovation, and a commitment to uplifting those around her.
Susan graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Business Marketing and Apparel Merchandising/Design. Passionate about community impact, she serves on several boards, including the ChildServe Board of Trustees, Winefestival Foundation of Des Moines Board, Iowa State University Marketing Executive Advisory Council, Ivy Women in Business Advisory Board, Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines Marketing Council, the Plaza Marketing Council, and is a member of the United Way Tocqueville Society.
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