Empire Life Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Empire Life has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, insurance operations, technology infrastructure, and market growth.

Focused on delivering robust financial security, Empire Life empowers small to midsize businesses through innovative insurance products and investment solutions while maintaining a steadfast commitment to digital excellence and client-centered service across the Canadian market.

Leadership Roles at Empire Life

  • Chief Executive Officer - Isaura Cortes
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments - Steve Pong
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer - Christopher Volk
  • Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer - Michael Stocks
  • Isaura Cortes - Chief Executive Officer

    Isaura Cortes, the Chief Executive Officer at Empire Life, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. By aligning internal resources with the evolving needs of small to midsize businesses, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent growth across the Canadian insurance landscape. Isaura Cortes maintains direct oversight of executive board relations, fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while championing the adoption of digital solutions to enhance client outcomes. Through the implementation of strategic initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of investment funds and retirement savings plans. By prioritizing customer-centric values, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive position of the firm within the national financial services sector. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the financial stability and reputation of the company through disciplined management and proactive market engagement.

    Steve Pong - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments

    Steve Pong, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments at Empire Life, manages the daily execution of insurance product delivery and investment fund administration. Overseeing the operational infrastructure for group benefits, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments ensures seamless service delivery for diverse clientele. Steve Pong coordinates with internal departments to optimize the efficiency of retirement savings plans and life insurance underwriting processes. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of operational metrics to maintain high standards of service quality. By streamlining workflows, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments supports the broader corporate mission of providing financial confidence to employers and individual consumers. Through rigorous oversight of insurance operations, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments mitigates risk while fostering sustainable growth across the national portfolio of investment solutions.
    Steve Pong

    Christopher Volk - Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

    Christopher Volk, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Empire Life, architects the digital transformation strategy and technological infrastructure supporting the company. By implementing advanced software solutions, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer enables secure and efficient access to insurance and investment platforms for financial advisors and clients. Christopher Volk oversees the development of innovative digital tools that simplify complex financial decision-making processes for small to midsize businesses. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and data integrity to protect sensitive client information across the Canadian market. Through the integration of modern technology, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer drives operational agility and enhances the overall user experience. By aligning technical capabilities with business objectives, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer ensures the firm remains at the forefront of digital innovation within the insurance industry.

    Michael Stocks - Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

    Michael Stocks, the Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Empire Life, leads the development and execution of brand strategy and market positioning initiatives. By crafting targeted campaigns, the Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer communicates the value of life insurance and investment solutions to small to midsize businesses. Michael Stocks manages the outreach efforts directed at financial advisors and individual consumers to increase brand awareness and market penetration. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to refine the messaging and service offerings of the company. Through the strategic deployment of marketing resources, the Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer supports the growth of the client base and strengthens the reputation of the firm. By fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, the Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer ensures the brand remains a trusted partner for financial planning and retirement security across the national landscape.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Insurance

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Empire Life Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Empire Life?
    Empire Life is led by Isaura Cortes (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Steve Pong (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments) and Christopher Volk (Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Empire Life’s executive team?
    The executive team of Empire Life includes leaders such as Isaura Cortes (Chief Executive Officer), Steve Pong (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments), Christopher Volk (Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Empire Life have?
    Empire Life has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Empire Life’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Empire Life includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer.