Name
Raj Kurup
Title
Sr. Director, Application Development
Company Name
Cigna
Company Location
900 Cottage Grove Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Company Overview
At Cigna, we aim to deliver affordable, predictable, and simple health care for our customers, patients, and clients.
Cigna is a global health services company dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and peace of mind of those we serve. With more than 180 million customer and patient relationships in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions, we are able to harness actionable insights that address whole-person health and drive better health outcomes.
Describe your Responsibilities at work
I lead an organization of 200+ resources with a P/L of $20M owning multiple customer-facing applications. Some of my key responsibilities include
- Driving Digital Transformation by delivering critical digital capabilities for Cigna clients, customers, and providers
- Driving Data Strategy catering to Customer roadmap thru latest Big Data technologies
- Driving CRM Campaigns and real-time Next Best Actions (NBAs) for our customers
- Aligning with the latest Healthcare Information Technologies and Data Interoperability initiatives
- Enhancing Assisted and Omni channel experience and build next generation Contact Center technologies
- Driving Engineering Culture Change by successfully integrating Cigna acquisition
- Reinvigorating staff engagement and excitement across a diverse dysfunctional and underperforming team
- Leveraging the company’s agility and brand to improve relationships with delivery partners
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about achieving customer excellence through Digital- and Omni-channel strategies in the healthcare industry. While our healthcare industry faces multiple challenges, I see opportunities to improve the health of every individual. This is possible through disruptive innovation and more interoperable and efficient solutions; a seamless ecosystem that connects all stakeholders, with patient health as the primary goal.
I am also passionate about how leadership can change companies for the better and get the best out of their people. I draw motivation from leaders who demonstrate good decision-making skills and are unselfish, genuine, and authentic.
When did you join FWSIM?
I joined FWSIM in October 2016 after considering multiple SIM chapters in the New England area. The primary reason for picking FWSIM was the amazing quality of the networking opportunities and the members who make up this chapter. In late 2020, I kicked off Member PODs in our chapter.
How did you come up with the idea for SIM Member PODs?
I was struggling to build lasting connections through our traditional SIM networking meetings, primarily due to the inability to attend all events regularly and not being able to meet the same members multiple times. I also felt it would be beneficial to engage members on a personal level through designated Member Ambassadors for each POD; this can help us keep a pulse on the value members are getting from SIM and ensures we are there for them when they need us. My idea happened to coincide with the pandemic, and we knew we were on to something very useful for all of us.
What have you personally gotten out of the PODs program?
The biggest benefit has been the networking opportunity. I have gotten to know many members quite well in a few months – more than what I had accomplished over multiple prior years of FWSIM membership. It has been very fulfilling to hear feedback from members within our chapter, as well as other chapters including Houston and Central Florida who saw the benefit of the program and have since adopted it.
Do you serve on any other boards, committees, etc.?
Not currently.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love to watch good movies, especially Indian movies that are well scripted and directed. While Bollywood Indian movies cater to mass popularity, I prefer Malayalam (language spoken in southern state of Kerala, India) movies as they have good scripts and are well-directed. Other than that, I am a big foodie and love to try - and also cook - different cuisines. When possible, I go for an early morning outdoor run where I am at peace with myself and nature without any distractions.
What is your educational background?
I hold an MBA from the University of Connecticut specializing in healthcare management. I completed my bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering at VJTI, Mumbai, India. I have earned multiple executive leadership certifications from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health which helped me build relationships with key healthcare policy and thought leaders.
Tell me something about you personally that others do not know but would enjoy knowing?
I am an avid New England sports fan and love the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins. I ran the Hartford Half Marathon back in 2010, 2011 and 2012. I am actively involved in multiple charities including United Way, Connecticut Children’s Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters. I am also a mentor at the FIRST Robotics club at Xavier High School in Middletown, CT.
Tell me about your immediate family: e.g., significant other, children, etc.?
I married my wife, Rakhi, back in 2003 in India. She is a pharmacy technician currently working part-time at CVS. We have a 15-year-old son, Rithik, who goes to Xavier High School in Middletown, CT. We also have a 10-year-old daughter, Roopika, who goes to Moser Intermediate School in Rocky Hill, CT. Roopika has a 2-year-old Tuxedo cat, Fluffernutter, that was adopted from ‘Animal For Life’ shelter out of Naugatuck, CT.
Article written by Raj Kurup with Adam Schilkraut