Julian Morris

Julian Morris serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at The Horton Group. As CIO, Julian is responsible for overall technology and innovation, including digital transformation, business intelligence, technology investments, and strategic planning. Julian plays a key leadership role on the executive team, driving innovation, and guiding the business to leverage emerging technologies and data insights for a competitive advantage. 

Julian joined Horton in September of 2020. He came with more than 20 years of technology and digital operations experience, holding several senior leadership positions at ATGE, Publicis Groupe, Walgreens, Interpublic Group (IPG), and FCB. These roles offered opportunities for Julian to work with executive management teams on developing and executing strategic plans for each company’s technology organization. 

Julian’s previous experience made this a seamless transition to Horton: “Throughout my career, I’ve built viable technology and growth plans, resulting in new revenue streams and delivering operational excellence. My passion is centered on people development and championing digital innovation that drives business results.” 

Julian holds a core creative principle to his work process:

“Excellence is never an accident, it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities,” by anonymous.

Julian knows Horton will pursue immense opportunities as the digital transformation continues to change the insurance sector: “Insurance is being disrupted due to changing demographics, bespoke customer expectations, technology proliferation, and dynamic regulations coupled with a ‘new normal.’ For Horton to THRIVE rather than SURVIVE in today’s economy, it is critical to integrate cutting-edge technology and data analytics into the overall enterprise strategy to achieve a higher level of performance.” 

Julian firmly believes the most rewarding aspect of this new role at Horton will be providing leadership, direction, and oversight of the technology portfolio: “Together, that adds maximum value to our company by delivering digital capabilities  that empower our colleagues to match the tailored needs of our customers through data insights.”

Julian lives with his wife and two children in Chicago. He attended Northwestern University, where he received a Master of Science degree in Strategy and Management and continued his professional studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan Executive Education. In 2020, he received the Innovation Leader Impact MVP Award and the Fast Company “Innovative Team of the Year” finalist award.