(Doug DeGrote, Allianz Life’s new CISO. Source: Allianz Life.)

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Minneapolis) has hired Douglas DeGrote as the new chief information security officer in the IT division. In his role, DeGrote oversees the design of IT controls, risk and the overall security management strategy, according to a company statement. DeGrote is accountable for information security across Allianz Life and partners with the company’s Compliance area to oversee processes. He reports to Chief Information Officer Jeff Palm.

“Douglas brings more than 25 years of experience in risk and security management to Allianz Life and is a great asset to our team,” comments Palm. “He will help us continue to successfully manage IT risk and protect information, creating a more secure future for our business and our customers.”

DeGrote was most recently chief information security officer for Xcel Energy (Minneapolis). He held the position for more than four years, during which he led the strategy and operations of the company’s cyber security, disaster recovery and business process continuity programs. Earlier DeGrote was chief information security officer at MoneyGram International (Minneapolis). He has held other leadership positions through roles in various industries and entities, including National Marrow Donor Program, Midwave Corporation and Applied Communications of Minnesota.

DeGrote holds a degree in computer programming and operations from Alexandria Technical College in Alexandria, Minn.