Michael Carrel named CIO of the year
Nationwide Financial CTO recognized as 2025 ORBIE recipient
Chosen by his peers for his demonstrated leadership, innovation and business impact, Nationwide Financial Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President Michael Carrel has been named the 2025 Ohio ORBIE Awards Large Enterprise CIO of the Year.
“The ORBIE® Awards recognize CIOs and CISOs who are making an impact through leadership excellence,” said Amy Brady, NEOhio CIO Chair. “The awards finalists and winners highlight the excellence and vision that are transforming Ohio’s economy.”
Established in 1998, the ORBIE Award is presented by OhioCIO, a peer-based, chief information officer networking and leadership organization. OhioCIO annually chooses ORBIE Award winners through an independent judging process to honor standout technology executives in the state of Ohio.
“It is a profound honor to accept this award, and I’m deeply grateful for the recognition in leadership and excellence in technology,” said Carrel. “The associates and leaders across our organization continue to establish Nationwide as an award-winning industry leader in the technology space.”
Over the course of his 30 years at Nationwide, Carrel has held leadership roles in multiple technology areas, including Property & Casualty, Enterprise Applications, Technology Strategy & Innovation, and today, Nationwide Financial.
“Throughout his Nationwide career, Michael has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a spirit of innovation, and dedication to advancing technology within our organization – especially in his current role as Chief Technology Officer for Nationwide Financial,” said Nationwide Chief Technology Officer Jim Fowler. “He is an admired leader and a powerful advocate for our customers, business partners, and associates. There is no candidate more deserving of this year’s award.”
To learn more about technology advancements at Nationwide, visit the Nationwide Technology & Innovation newsroom page.