Empower Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Empower has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, legal, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to financial freedom, Empower empowers 19 million individuals with industry-leading solutions for managing current finances and securing future savings, delivering an unparalleled customer experience.

Leadership Roles at Empower

  • Chief Executive Officer - Olga Southall
  • Principal Chief Executive Officer - Chuny. Merlo
  • President & Chief Executive Officer & Member of Board of Directors - Edmund Murphy
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Christine Moritz
  • President - Joseph Smolen
  • Senior Vice President, Office of the Chief Information Officer - D'Lovely Gibson
  • Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer - Catherine Peters
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Suzanne Sanchez
  • General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer - Kelly Noble
  • Chief Legal Officer & Secretary - Ryan Logsdon
  • Olga Southall - Chief Executive Officer

    Olga Southall, the Chief Executive Officer at Empower, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Southall guides the company's mission to provide industry-leading financial solutions, enabling individuals to manage their money effectively for today and save more for their tomorrow. This leadership role involves fostering a customer-obsessed culture that supports 19 million people in achieving financial freedom across all life milestones. Overseeing key strategic initiatives, Olga Southall ensures alignment with market demands and long-term growth objectives. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on driving innovation and maintaining Empower's competitive edge in the financial services sector, ensuring a seamless and empowering experience for every client.

    Chuny. Merlo - Principal Chief Executive Officer

    Chuny. Merlo, the Principal Chief Executive Officer at Empower, spearheads the company's strategic vision and long-term development. Merlo drives the core mission of empowering individuals toward financial freedom by offering robust solutions for present financial management and future savings. This executive leadership position involves cultivating an award-winning, customer-obsessed environment that serves 19 million people. The Principal Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include navigating complex market dynamics and ensuring the delivery of a unique financial experience. Through strategic oversight, Chuny. Merlo ensures Empower remains at the forefront of the financial services industry, consistently adapting to meet evolving client needs and market opportunities.

    Edmund Murphy - President & Chief Executive Officer & Member of Board of Directors

    Edmund Murphy, the President & Chief Executive Officer & Member of Board of Directors at Empower, leads the organization's strategic direction and governance. Murphy champions the company's commitment to helping 19 million people achieve financial freedom through innovative financial solutions for current needs and future savings. This critical role involves overseeing all aspects of the business, ensuring operational excellence and a customer-obsessed approach. As President, Edmund Murphy collaborates with the Board of Directors to set long-term objectives and drive sustainable growth. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering an environment that delivers an unparalleled financial experience, solidifying Empower's position as an industry leader.

    Christine Moritz - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Christine Moritz, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Empower, directs the company's financial strategy and fiscal operations. Moritz oversees all financial planning, reporting, and investment activities, ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of Empower's mission to help 19 million people achieve financial freedom. This executive leadership position involves managing capital allocation, optimizing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to driving profitability and supporting strategic growth initiatives that enhance the company's award-winning customer experience. Through meticulous financial oversight, Christine Moritz ensures Empower maintains its strong market position and capacity to deliver exceptional financial solutions.
    Christine Moritz

    Joseph Smolen - President

    Joseph Smolen, the President at Empower, drives key operational strategies and business development initiatives. Smolen focuses on enhancing the delivery of Empower's industry-leading financial solutions, supporting the company's objective to help 19 million people manage their money for today and save for tomorrow. This executive role involves overseeing critical business units and ensuring seamless integration across departments to foster a customer-obsessed environment. The President's mandate includes identifying new growth opportunities and optimizing existing processes to deliver an unparalleled financial experience. Through strategic leadership, Joseph Smolen contributes significantly to Empower's market position and its commitment to providing award-winning service and financial freedom.

    D'Lovely Gibson - Senior Vice President, Office of the Chief Information Officer

    D'Lovely Gibson, the Senior Vice President, Office of the Chief Information Officer at Empower, enhances the company's technological infrastructure and digital strategy. Gibson supports the Chief Information Officer in ensuring that Empower's 19 million customers benefit from secure, efficient, and cutting-edge financial management tools. This role is pivotal in translating business objectives into technological solutions that drive operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Overseeing key IT projects, D'Lovely Gibson ensures the seamless integration of systems that support Empower's mission of providing financial freedom. The Senior Vice President's focus is on maintaining robust cybersecurity measures and advancing digital capabilities to deliver an exceptional, award-winning customer experience.

    Catherine Peters - Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer

    Catherine Peters, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer at Empower, provides critical administrative and operational support to the HR leadership. Peters facilitates the smooth functioning of the human resources department, ensuring efficient management of employee relations and talent development initiatives that align with Empower's mission. This role is instrumental in supporting the Chief Human Resources Officer's efforts to foster a positive and productive work environment for the company's 19 million customers and employees. By managing key administrative processes, Catherine Peters contributes to the effective implementation of HR strategies designed to attract, retain, and develop top talent, thereby reinforcing Empower's customer-obsessed culture and award-winning service delivery.

    Suzanne Sanchez - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Suzanne Sanchez, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Empower, leads the strategic development and execution of all human capital initiatives. Sanchez is responsible for cultivating a high-performance culture that supports Empower's mission of empowering 19 million people toward financial freedom. This executive role involves overseeing talent acquisition, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, and organizational development to ensure a customer-obsessed approach permeates the entire workforce. The Chief Human Resources Officer's focus is on attracting, retaining, and developing the talent necessary to deliver award-winning financial solutions and an unparalleled customer experience. Through strategic HR leadership, Suzanne Sanchez ensures Empower's workforce is equipped to drive the company's continued success and market leadership.
    Suzanne Sanchez
    Kelly Noble, the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer at Empower, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the organization. Noble ensures that Empower's operations and strategies align with all applicable laws and regulations, safeguarding the company's mission to help 19 million people achieve financial freedom. This leadership position involves managing corporate governance, risk management, and compliance functions critical to maintaining trust and integrity. The Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities include advising on complex legal matters, supporting strategic transactions, and fostering a culture of ethical conduct. Through expert legal guidance, Kelly Noble protects Empower's interests and supports its commitment to delivering award-winning financial solutions and an exceptional customer experience.
    Kelly Noble
    Ryan Logsdon, the Chief Legal Officer & Secretary at Empower, directs the company's legal framework and corporate governance. Logsdon ensures strict adherence to legal standards and regulatory compliance, supporting Empower's commitment to providing secure financial solutions for 19 million individuals. This role is crucial in managing corporate affairs, advising the board, and mitigating legal risks associated with the company's operations. The Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities encompass overseeing all legal aspects, including contracts, litigation, and policy development, to uphold the company's integrity. By providing expert legal oversight, Ryan Logsdon reinforces Empower's customer-obsessed approach and its ability to deliver award-winning financial services and foster financial freedom.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Empower Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Empower?
    Empower is led by Olga Southall (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Chuny. Merlo (Principal Chief Executive Officer) and Edmund Murphy (President & Chief Executive Officer & Member of Board of Directors).
    Who is part of Empower’s executive team?
    The executive team of Empower includes leaders such as Olga Southall (Chief Executive Officer), Chuny. Merlo (Principal Chief Executive Officer), Edmund Murphy (President & Chief Executive Officer & Member of Board of Directors) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Empower have?
    Empower has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Empower’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Empower includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Principal Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer & Member of Board of Directors, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, President.