Ryan Hawkins

Genuine and authentic IT executive leader recognized for delivering strategic, transformational, high-impact business and technology solutions to delight consumers and achieve business outcomes in highly regulated industries.

Known as an engaging, empowering technology leader who builds trusted teams and cultures, creates technology strategies, and delivers bespoke customer facing solutions in regulated, banking, new markets, and manufacturing industries.

As the CTO for Thrivent Bank (in formation), I am energized each day to build a de novo, national digital bank that is customer-centric, while also working closely with a company that is so committed to providing financial clarity for a meaningful life. I was brought into initial conversations on a bank strategy, helped author the 2000+ page application and have been enamored with the mission ever since. I am responsible for Technology and Information Security for the Bank.

As CTO of Vault Insurance, I was fortunate to apply my digital-first, customer experience focus to a company that is disrupting the insurance experience through technology-driven journeys. I was engaged to create a digital and data strategy while also creating a divestiture plan and team that allowed Vault to separate from their parent company.

As the Senior Vice President, Director of IT Delivery for Consumer Banking at TCF, I was focused on delivering business outcomes by partnering with key executives. I was tapped to rescue a troubled new Retail Business offering, where I led various teams to deliver a multi-million dollar solution to market for the first time in 14 years. In the span of 7 years, I helped lead teams through significant transformation by navigating a merger, creating a new operating model from Project to Product, introducing Agile and DevOps disciplines, and building an inclusive and empowered culture.

As the VP Business Information Officer, Digital Business, I was recruited to a newly created role as a key change leader that is passionate about building trusted relationships. I rebuilt strained relationships which drove effective partnerships that in turn deepened customer relationships by significantly improving customer experiences. Many of the relationships I built are are still active today, years removed from the role & company.

Growing up in a small town in southeastern Minnesota has taught me to appreciate relationships, earn trust through hard work and treat others as I would want to be treated. These early beginnings have shaped me as the leader I am today – humble, authentic, and mindful.