Empire Life Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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. Overseeing all major business units, Cortes ensures alignment with the company's mission to provide life insurance, investment solutions, and group benefits. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team in navigating financial decisions and fostering innovation in digital solutions. By championing a customer-centric approach, Isaura Cortes drives the company's commitment to serving small to midsize businesses and individual consumers. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on sustainable growth and enhancing market presence within the Canadian insurance sector. Cortes's strategic direction ensures the company's offerings remain competitive and responsive to evolving client needs.

    Rebecca Rycroft - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

    Rebecca Rycroft, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at Empire Life, manages all financial operations and reporting. Overseeing fiscal health, Rycroft ensures robust financial planning and analysis to support the company's investment in life insurance and group benefits. This critical role involves managing capital allocation, risk management, and investor relations, directly impacting the company's ability to provide financial confidence to clients. By optimizing financial strategies, Rebecca Rycroft supports the expansion of investment solutions and retirement savings plans. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight guarantees compliance with regulatory standards and drives efficiency across all financial departments. Rycroft's expertise is vital in maintaining Empire Life's strong market position and facilitating strategic growth initiatives.

    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 insurance and investment product delivery. Overseeing the seamless integration of services, Pong ensures efficient management of life insurance policies, investment funds, and retirement savings plans. This leadership position involves optimizing operational workflows and enhancing the digital solutions that empower clients. By driving operational excellence, Steve Pong supports Empire Life's mission to provide financial confidence and navigate complex financial decisions. The Chief Operating Officer's focus is on streamlining processes and improving service delivery for individual consumers, employers, and financial advisors. Pong's operational oversight is key to maintaining service quality and supporting company growth.
    Steve Pong

    Michael Stocks - Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

    Michael Stocks, the Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Empire Life, spearheads all marketing and brand initiatives. Overseeing market research and campaign development, Stocks ensures effective communication of the company's life insurance, investment solutions, and group benefits to small to midsize businesses and individual consumers. This role involves driving customer acquisition and retention through innovative digital strategies and customer service enhancements. By shaping the brand narrative, Michael Stocks reinforces Empire Life's commitment to helping clients navigate financial decisions with confidence. The Chief Marketing Officer's leadership ensures consistent brand messaging across all platforms and channels. Stocks's strategic vision elevates market awareness and strengthens client engagement.

    Christopher Volk - Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

    Christopher Volk, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Empire Life, leads the company's technology strategy and digital transformation efforts. Overseeing all IT infrastructure and innovation, Volk ensures the development and implementation of cutting-edge digital solutions that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. This role is pivotal in supporting Empire Life's commitment to providing accessible life insurance, investment solutions, and group benefits. By driving technological advancements, Christopher Volk enables clients to navigate financial decisions with greater confidence. The Chief Technology Officer's vision guides the integration of new technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the market. Volk's leadership ensures robust cybersecurity and scalable platforms for future growth.

    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 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.