June 30, 2022
Working with integrity and staying focused on quality to enhance the trust that UL certification Marks and services convey is essential at UL. With this in mind, we are pleased to share that Karriem Shakoor, senior vice president and chief information officer (CIO) at UL Solutions, has been recognized by ChicagoCIO for his leadership, innovation and commitment to the community.
At a ceremony on May 13, Karriem Shakoor was named the winner of ChicagoCIO’s 2022 CIO of the Year® ORBIE® Awards in his category. He cited the information technology (IT) organization’s collaborative strategy for driving the evolution of the company’s operating model and enabling commercial transformation.
“We’ve utilized technology to develop best-in-class sales and analytic tools that are helping improve conversion and margin expansion and driving revenue growth,” Karriem Shakoor said. “We’ve also been able to integrate many acquisitions, which helps reduce accounting and closing processes. This use of technology makes information technology a strong enterprise partner and truly helps the company function cohesively.”
He also stated that he was particularly proud of the IT organization’s colleague satisfaction improvement program (the first of its kind at UL Solutions), which has helped employee engagement significantly.
CIO of the Year ORBIE Awards
ORBIEs are awarded to CIOs in the Chicago area who demonstrate excellence in technology leadership. Finalists and winners are chosen through an independent peer review of nominees that evaluates:
- Effectiveness in leadership and management
- Innovative technology solutions
- Engagement in community and industry efforts
The ORBIEs began in 1998 and are presented by ChicagoCIO, a leadership network of Chicagoland CIOs, with support from Crain’s Chicago Business.
Impacting the community
Karriem Shakoor is a strong and positive presence within UL Solutions, and he also supports several organizations committed to providing and creating opportunities for others. He is a board chair for Techbridge Girls, a group that encourages underprivileged girls of color to pursue STEM careers by providing educational opportunities, mentorship and advocacy. He’s also a member of Chicago United, an organization working to increase minority representation on corporate boards and as executive leaders in Chicago and throughout the United States.
“It’s important not just to make your mark in business, but to make an impact in the community as well,” he said. “Being a leader means leading the way for positive change and helping to create opportunities.”
Karriem Shakoor consistently leads with integrity at UL Solutions, and the same dedication is clear in his social and charitable work. While his impact can certainly be felt within UL Solutions, we are pleased to see his efforts recognized in the larger community.