Neil Cowles
Neil Cowles is senior vice president and chief information and technology officer for Kaiser Permanente.
Cowles is a dynamic, solutions-oriented business and information technology leader who is committed to Kaiser Permanente's 12.6 million members and the communities we serve.
He is responsible for creating and executing a clear technology vision aligned to Kaiser Permanente’s enterprise strategy and priorities. He oversees the day-to-day management of Kaiser Permanente’s business, clinical, and care delivery IT systems as well as the IT teams that support these systems. He is accountable for fortifying and safeguarding Kaiser Permanente’s data, driving affordability through simplified platforms and technologies, and innovating with evolving technologies like AI to deliver impactful solutions that best support Kaiser Permanente’s members, care teams, and employees.
Cowles joined Kaiser Permanente in 2012 and served in crossfunctional IT leadership roles as he helped the organization navigate through industry disruption and changing market conditions. Prior to his role as CITO, he was the chief technology officer. In this role, he spearheaded Kaiser Permanente’s generative AI strategy aimed at identifying and implementing the highest-value use cases for improving health outcomes and enhancing operational efficiencies.
He began his career as a clinically trained health care professional in the United Kingdom and Australia. He expanded on his dedication to helping people by applying his technical expertise and vision to global IT leadership positions at large private, public, and start-up companies.
Cowles has experience building data centers, driving technology strategy, deploying IT solutions, and leading acquisitions and mergers. He has helped develop and lead organizations to address consumer problems, achieve world-class solutions, grow revenue, and compete effectively.
In addition to being highly regarded as a leader and entrepreneur in health care IT, Cowles is recognized for managing, mentoring, and coaching high-performance individuals and teams. He has a passion for inspiring people to be their best, and he has enthusiasm for executive development. He has designed early career programs to equip high school and junior college graduates with technical and professional skills to become productive and engaged members of the workforce.