Sai Cherla Joins New York Life as SVP & COO of Technology

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 4 February 2026

• Sai Cherla appointed as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Technology, Data, AI, and Ventures at New York Life
• She will be responsible for enterprise-scale transformation in agile delivery, operating models, and strategic execution

Sai Cherla, financial and technological leader of the Indian American community, is taking a senior Vice President position with New York Life Insurance Company as it relates to technology, data, AI, and ventures.

Sai's charter is to champion large enterprise transformation in her new position (an endeavor that has an intense focus on agility, operating models, and strategic execution) while enhancing the quality of service given by the businesses and improving the speed at which services are performed.

Her responsibilities will include portfolio operation, vendor governance, and workforce strategy. She will place emphasis on building and retaining high performing teams, modernizing the way in which operational services are delivered, and collaborating with business units through better alignment of talent, data, and platforms to develop sustainable growth and operational excellence.

She has shared her views on the transition, saying on LinkedIn, "From my very first discussions, what has impressed me isn’t only the scope and ambition of the work, but the people. New York Life is a company that truly functions like a family – one that is founded on purpose, mutual respect, and a long-term commitment to doing the right thing for our policyholders, our employees, and the communities we serve."

Prior to joining New York Life, Sai has over a decade of experience in transformation and leadership roles in the financial services and technology industry.

She was associated with BMO Financial Group for over six years, where she held key leadership roles such as Chief Administration Officer, Technology and Operations, and Vice President  & Head of Transformation Management Office and Supplier Governance (Tech and Ops).

Sai was also a Vice President & Head of Project Management Office, Workforce Transformation, where she concentrated on improving enterprise operating rhythms, governance, and workforce enablement.