SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — CNA National announced that Brian Pendergast joined the firm’s senior management team, effective Monday, as chief information officer, a newly created position.

“CNA National is making a significant investment in developing resources for our continued growth, and technology is a major component of that investment,” said Joe Becker, president and chief executive officer. “Brian has a proven ability to combine advanced information technology in developing and implementing strategic business goals. By working closely with our entire IS team, he will help us realize our strategic vision as we continue to evaluate and develop technical resources.

“We are very excited that Brian is bringing his extensive experience — which includes recruiting, retaining and developing high-caliber teams in data security, critical infrastructure, systems and operational support and software product development — to CNA National,” Becker added.

Pendergast has more than 20 years of experience in the manufacturing, legal, media information and software solutions industries and has been actively involved in the technology transformation of more than 15 companies throughout his career. His background includes working on advanced research in mobile data collection, RFID electronic payment technology, distributed audience measurement and global XML standards for extensive data-centric properties.

He is also cofounder of the Red Rock Consulting Group that worked with corporations and private equity investors focused on technology sourcing and retooling. His efforts have encompassed consulting activities in: strategic planning and business development, intellectual property evaluation and consulting, due diligence activities, business investment plan development, process engineering, and direct operational technology leadership for several multibillion dollar corporations.

Pendergast is a graduate of the University of Arizona and has studied engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology and Technology leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Business, Executive Education.