Discover Financial Services was selected by International Data Group’s CIO as a recipient of the 2016 CIO 100. The 29th annual award program recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT).

Discover was honored for the work in the Discover Student Loans (DSL) business and their technology improvements to deliver personalized customer applications that meet the unique needs of millennials. All major DSL digital experiences were redesigned to make it easier to start and complete applications on mobile devices. The application process and online account center were improved, giving customers the ability to access information, apply for a loan and manage their accounts 24/7 from virtually any device.

“Discover was able to create a better and more streamlined experience for our student loan applicants and customers through responsive, mobile-optimized functionality,” said Glenn Schneider, executive vice president and chief information officer at Discover, who recently gave a presentation on Discover’s winning project at the CIO 100 Symposium event. “We focused on the idea of one size does not fit all and developed a personalized online account center with real-time dashboard variations based on individual customer needs.”

"Delivering innovation and business value are top priorities for CIOs everywhere, and our CIO 100 awards program celebrates the leading IT organizations that excel at both," said Maryfran Johnson, Editor in Chief of CIO Events. "Our 2016 winners are raising the bar even higher this year with their outstanding work in digital transformation, customer focus and IT-business collaboration."

About the CIO 100 Awards:

Recipients of this year's CIO 100 Award were selected through a three-step process. First, companies filled out an online application form detailing their innovative IT and business initiatives. Next, a team of external judges (many of them former CIOs) reviewed the applications in depth, looking for leading-edge IT practices and measurable results. Finally, CIO editors reviewed the judges' recommendations and selected the final 100.

Coverage of the 2016 CIO 100 Awards is available online at CIO.com and was published in the June/July issue of CIO's digital magazine.

About Discover

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its direct banking business. It operates the Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.

About CIO

CIO is the premier content and community resource for information technology executives and leaders thriving and prospering in this fast-paced era of IT transformation in the enterprise. The award-winning CIO portfolio—CIO.com, CIO executive programs, CIO Strategic Marketing Services, CIO Forum on LinkedIn, CIO Executive Council and CIO primary research—provides business technology leaders with analysis and insight on information technology trends and a keen understanding of IT’s role in achieving business goals. Additionally, CIO provides opportunities for IT solution providers to reach this executive IT audience. The CIO Executive Council is a professional organization of CIOs created to serve as an unbiased and trusted peer advisory group. CIO is published by IDG Enterprise, a subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world’s leading media, events, and research company. Company information is available at http://www.idgenterprise.com/.

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