Kevin Rooney

As Chief Information Officer, Kevin is responsible for leading the firm’s IT and digital transformation efforts to enhance efficiency, connectivity, and collaboration. Kevin’s innovative mindset is well exemplified by initiatives like the creation of a conversational AI chatbot, West Monrobot, enabling streamlined processes and quicker resolutions for internal technology support requests. 

Kevin took the reins as CIO in 2022 as the firm was examining new ways of working as a result of the pandemic. Under his direction, the IT function underwent a strategic overhaul, with a keen focus on automation & AI, data platforms, financial management, service model enhancements and upskilling employees. His innovative approach led to significant cost savings and enhanced operational efficiencies, facilitating increased agility across West Monroe’s core areas. By focusing on the consultant experience and core processes like hiring, retiring, and customer management, instead of just the technology, Kevin and his team have achieved quicker results and more impactful business discussions. 

Rooney originally joined West Monroe as Chief Administrative Officer in April 2019 and established the Shared Services function that links technology, strategy, and efficiency to enhance our employee experience and meet the organization’s growth and financial objectives. He draws on his diverse background in startups, insurance, and consulting – serving in various C-level roles including CIO and Chief Strategy Officer. Before joining West Monroe, Kevin was an executive partner at Gartner. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. 

He was named a winner of the prestigious CIO of the Year Award in the CIO+ category by the Society for Information Management Chicago Chapter. His team was also recently recognized as AITP-Chicago’s 2024 Most Effective Technology team. 

What makes Kevin different

“Yes, and…” is a well-known approach in improv, and it’s also one Kevin applies in business. He uses this style of thinking to connect people with ideas to reshape them into something new. A competitive volleyball player, Kevin also coached boys and girls high school volleyball for the Chicago Waldorf School. Kevin is a devoted husband and father of two. 

Where Kevin makes an impact

Kevin spent eight years on the board of SIM Chicago, the premier CIO networking group, including roles as president and chairman. He is currently president of the Chicago Poetry Center and is a board member of Genesys Works Chicago. While serving on the board of the Chicago Waldorf School, Kevin helped lead a financial transformation that resulted in the school’s purchase of its own building and coached volleyball for 14 years.