Guidewire Software to Open New Development Centre in Krakow

Global software company to tap Polish software development talent to support business growth

LONDON--()--Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE: GWRE), a provider of software products to general insurers, today announced the establishment of a new Regional Development Centre in Krakow to help the company further expand its global operations. The company also announced that the recruitment of Polish developers is currently underway.

Krakow is Guidewire’s sixth global development centre, joining teams in California, Dublin, Pennsylvania, Tokyo and Toronto. Staff at the centre will handle all aspects of product development from product management to software development and quality assurance. They will build products not just for the local CEE market but for Guidewire customers globally. The Krakow centre will operate with a team structure, and have a specific product focus:

  • Core InsuranceSuite applications, with a broad geographical and time-zone coverage for critical customer escalation;
  • Digital applications (digital functionality underpinning core applications and enhancing user experience) working closely with California and Dublin development teams; and
  • “Content” modules for core applications, developing country- or market-specific variations according to insurance sector need.

“The concentration of talented software development professionals in Poland is a major attraction for us,” commented Ali Kheirolomoom, chief product officer, Guidewire Software. “Access to high quality staff, combined with a central European location will enhance our product delivery efficiency significantly.”

Guidewire is actively recruiting to fill a range of newly created roles. Current available positions include:

  • Software Engineers
  • Web Application Developers
  • Software QA Engineers
  • Enterprise Software Product Managers
  • Software Engineering Managers
  • Programme Managers
  • DevOps Engineers.

“The opening of Guidewire Software’s new development and research centre in Krakow is excellent news for our city. We have been observing a very positive trend in the IT industry. Rather than our professionals going abroad in search of attractive jobs, IT companies are opening their centres in Poland, including Krakow. The city has gained another employer in the high-tech sector, and this will create new, exciting job opportunities for Małopolska residents. Skilled and highly-paid young workers will now come to Krakow to find employment at Guidewire. The macro-scale effect is also noteworthy, as each new IT company operating in the region helps create a better environment for subsequent ventures. This is clearly a very positive and desirable development, both for Krakow and for the entire region,” said the Mayor of Krakow, Professor Jacek Majchrowski.

“IT is one of the fastest growing industries in Poland. The availability of a highly skilled workforce is the main factor driving foreign investment in this sector. Polish IT professionals are highly regarded around the world for their knowledge and competence. Each year about 15,000 students graduate in Computer Science in Poland. Young Polish IT specialists, especially developers, rank with the best in the world. Guidewire Software is sure to find top class professionals in Małopolska,” said Tomasz Latocha, vice president of Małopolska Agencja Rozwoju Regionalnego S.A. (MARR).

“The choice of Małopolska for the new development centre is a very positive sign from Guidewire Software. It demonstrates the high potential of the region. Krakow, and the entire area of southern Poland, is a major IT industry centre. 33 universities and almost 190,000 students are a real magnet for investment in the IT and R&D sectors. Over 16,000 people have already found jobs at more than 160 companies. We are particularly happy that Guidewire Software is another technology company to bring its advanced knowledge, know-how and capital to the region,” added Latocha.

“Building on the success of our Dublin Development Centre, our investment in Krakow will allow us to increase European recruitment and to undertake full life-cycle product development that will benefit the Guidewire customer community,” said Dan Lonborg, senior director, software engineering, content, Guidewire Software.

Guidewire Software, founded in 2001, is a provider of software products that help the general insurance industry transform their operations and respond to rapidly changing business needs. Guidewire InsuranceSuite™ provides a complete set of applications to support insurers’ core operations: underwriting, policy administration, billing, and claims management. The company also provides data and analytics products as well as a portfolio of digital products. Guidewire offers a collaborative, innovative and enjoyable working environment. The company has a presence in Warsaw already and, with a new development centre in Krakow, it is looking increase its team of enthusiastic, creative and skilled developers.

In Europe, Guidewire has offices in Dublin, London, Paris and Munich, as well as in Warsaw. The company recently celebrated its tenth anniversary in the region and in those ten years European customer numbers have risen to more than 30 in nine countries. Insurance customers include: ADAC, Admiral Group plc, Aviva UK, Basler, Beazley Group plc, Direct Line Italy, Hastings Direct, L’Olivier, LV=, NFU Mutual, P&V, Pohjola, PZU, QBE European Operations, Rossgosstrakh, Tinkoff, Towergate, TUiR Warta, UnipolSai Assicurazioni S.p.A. and Zurich. The Regional Development Centre in Krakow reaffirms Guidewire’s continued commitment to the European region.

About Guidewire Software

Guidewire delivers the software that general insurers need to adapt and succeed in a time of rapid industry change. We combine three elements – core processing, data and analytics, and digital engagement – into a technology platform that enhances insurers’ ability to engage and empower their customers and employees. More than 200 general insurers around the world have selected Guidewire. For more information, please visit www.guidewire.com. Follow us on twitter: @Guidewire_PandC.

NOTE: Guidewire, Guidewire Software, Guidewire ClaimCenter, Guidewire PolicyCenter, and Guidewire BillingCenter are registered trademarks of Guidewire Software, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Contacts

Guidewire Software, Inc.
Diana Stott, +1 650-356-4941
Director, Communications
dstott@guidewire.com
or
Bridge, Sp. z o.o.
Magdalena Kowalska, +48 506 189 404
m.kowalska@bridge.pl

Release Summary

Guidewire Software to Open New Development Centre in Poland.

Contacts

Guidewire Software, Inc.
Diana Stott, +1 650-356-4941
Director, Communications
dstott@guidewire.com
or
Bridge, Sp. z o.o.
Magdalena Kowalska, +48 506 189 404
m.kowalska@bridge.pl