Empire Life Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Empire Life has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, finance, technology, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to customer service, Empire Life specializes in providing life insurance, investment solutions, and group benefits, empowering clients to navigate financial decisions with confidence through innovative digital solutions.

Leadership Roles at Empire Life

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

    Isaura Cortes, the Chief Executive Officer at Empire Life, directs the overall corporate strategy and vision. Cortes guides the company's expansion within the Canadian market, focusing on enhancing its position as a provider of life insurance, investment solutions, and group benefits for small to midsize businesses. The Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all departments, fostering an environment that prioritizes customer service and the development of innovative digital solutions. This leadership role involves setting the strategic direction for product development and market penetration, aiming to equip clients with the tools needed to make financial decisions confidently. Cortes's oversight extends to managing stakeholder relationships and driving the company's long-term growth objectives, solidifying Empire Life's reputation for reliability and forward-thinking financial services.

    Rebecca Rycroft - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

    Rebecca Rycroft, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at Empire Life, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Rycroft oversees all financial operations, including accounting, financial reporting, and capital management, ensuring robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory standards. The Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer plays a pivotal role in guiding the company's investment strategies and managing its portfolio of life insurance and group benefits products. This leadership position is essential for maintaining client trust and supporting the company's growth trajectory by optimizing resource allocation and identifying new financial opportunities. Rebecca Rycroft's expertise ensures the financial stability required to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional customer service to small to midsize businesses and individual clients. Rycroft's fiscal acumen underpins Empire Life's capacity for sustained development.

    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, directs the operational execution of the company's core insurance and investment product lines. Pong oversees the day-to-day management of operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery for life insurance, investment funds, and retirement savings plans. The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments is instrumental in optimizing business processes and enhancing the customer journey, aligning operational strategies with the company's commitment to customer service and digital innovation. This leadership position ensures seamless integration between product offerings and client needs, particularly for small to midsize businesses. Steve Pong's focus on operational excellence supports Empire Life's mission to help clients navigate financial decisions with confidence. Pong drives operational improvements across key business segments.
    Steve Pong

    Michael Stocks - Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

    Michael Stocks, the Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Empire Life, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies. Stocks drives brand awareness and market penetration for the company's life insurance, investment solutions, and group benefits offerings, specifically targeting small to midsize businesses and individual consumers across Canada. The Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer oversees all aspects of marketing, including digital campaigns, content creation, and public relations, ensuring a consistent and compelling brand message. This role is critical in communicating Empire Life's commitment to customer service and its innovative digital solutions to a diverse clientele. By analyzing market trends and customer needs, Stocks ensures marketing efforts directly support business objectives, fostering client confidence and expanding the company's reach. Michael Stocks's leadership ensures the brand resonates effectively with financial advisors and end-users alike.

    Christopher Volk - Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

    Christopher Volk, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Empire Life, spearheads the company's technological innovation and digital transformation initiatives. Volk directs the development and implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance the delivery of life insurance, investment products, and group benefits. The Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer is responsible for the company's IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and the integration of digital tools designed to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. This role is fundamental to Empire Life's strategy of providing innovative digital solutions that empower clients to navigate financial decisions with confidence. Christopher Volk's leadership ensures the technological backbone supports the company's commitment to exceptional customer service and its expansion into new digital service areas. Volk's vision drives technological advancements across the organization.

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    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 Rebecca Rycroft (Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer) and Steve Pong (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments).
    Who is part of Empire Life’s executive team?
    The executive team of Empire Life includes leaders such as Isaura Cortes (Chief Executive Officer), Rebecca Rycroft (Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer), Steve Pong (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Empire Life have?
    Empire Life has 5 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, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.