Empire Life Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on delivering robust financial security, Empire Life empowers small to midsize businesses through innovative insurance products and retirement 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, 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 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 monitors market trends to refine the delivery of life insurance and investment solutions, maintaining a competitive edge in a complex financial environment. The Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the Board to establish governance standards that prioritize policyholder security and operational transparency. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer drives the company toward sustainable profitability. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation that supports the development of new retirement savings plans. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial future of the enterprise by balancing risk management with aggressive market expansion initiatives.

    Rebecca Rycroft - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

    Rebecca Rycroft, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at Empire Life, directs the financial planning, reporting, and capital management strategies for the organization. By overseeing the fiscal health of the company, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer ensures that investment funds and insurance reserves remain robust enough to meet long-term obligations. Rebecca Rycroft manages the budgeting process and financial forecasting to support the growth of group benefits and retirement savings plans. The Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to evaluate the financial viability of new market opportunities and digital initiatives. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous compliance with regulatory standards across the Canadian financial sector. Through precise financial analysis, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer provides the insights necessary for strategic decision-making. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer secures the economic stability of the firm by optimizing capital allocation and managing financial risk effectively.

    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 underwriting and investment fund administration. Overseeing the operational efficiency of core product lines, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments ensures that small to midsize business clients receive seamless service. Steve Pong optimizes internal workflows to accelerate the processing of life insurance claims and retirement plan contributions. By coordinating with the actuarial and investment teams, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments maintains the integrity of the company's financial offerings. This role involves scaling operational capacity to meet the demands of a growing Canadian clientele. Through the implementation of standardized procedures, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance and Investments reduces administrative friction, thereby enhancing the overall value proposition for policyholders and financial advisors.
    Steve Pong

    Michael Stocks - Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

    Michael Stocks, the Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Empire Life, architects the brand strategy and market positioning for all insurance and investment products. By analyzing consumer behavior within the small to midsize business sector, the Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer develops targeted campaigns that highlight the company's commitment to digital solutions. Michael Stocks directs the communication strategy to ensure that financial advisors and individual consumers understand the benefits of the firm's retirement savings plans. The Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer manages the digital presence to drive lead generation and improve customer engagement across Canada. This leadership role involves collaborating with product teams to translate complex insurance offerings into clear, accessible messaging. Through data-driven marketing initiatives, the Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the brand. Ultimately, the Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the market presence of the organization by building trust with diverse client segments.

    Christopher Volk - Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

    Christopher Volk, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Empire Life, leads the digital transformation and infrastructure development necessary to support modern insurance operations. By architecting scalable cloud solutions, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer ensures that the company provides secure and efficient digital tools for clients and financial advisors. Christopher Volk oversees the integration of advanced data analytics to improve underwriting accuracy and customer service responsiveness. The Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer manages the cybersecurity framework to protect sensitive financial information across all Canadian operations. This role involves aligning technological investments with the broader business goals of providing innovative retirement and investment solutions. Through the deployment of cutting-edge software, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer enhances the user experience for small to midsize businesses. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer drives operational agility by modernizing legacy systems and fostering a culture of continuous technical improvement.

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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.