Nassau Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nassau has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, financial oversight, operational coordination, information systems, asset management, life insurance accounting, and brokerage services.

Focused on delivering reliable retirement solutions, Nassau prioritizes simplicity and service excellence to protect the savings and health care needs of 400,000 policyholders across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Nassau

  • Chief Executive Officer - Phillip Gass
  • Chief Financial Officer - Diana Piquette
  • Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Asset Management - Justin Banulski
  • Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Life Insurance Company of Texas - Richard Cannone
  • President of 1851 Securities, Inc. (Broker-Dealer) - Junping Shao
  • Chief Technology Officer - Thomas Culbertson
  • Chief of Staff - Diane Ellsworth
  • Chief Information Officer - Neel Datar
  • Phillip Gass - Chief Executive Officer

    Phillip Gass, the Chief Executive Officer at Nassau, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Overseeing the management of $18 billion in assets, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all insurance products align with the core mission of providing guaranteed retirement income. Phillip Gass maintains constant communication with the Board to drive growth initiatives and operational efficiency across the Hartford headquarters. By fostering a culture of humility and continuous improvement, the Chief Executive Officer guides the firm through complex market shifts. This leadership role involves balancing the needs of 400,000 policyholders with the necessity for sustainable financial performance. Through rigorous oversight of all business units, the Chief Executive Officer secures the company's position as a premier carrier. Ultimately, Gass strengthens the organizational foundation to support future expansion and service excellence.

    Diana Piquette - Chief Financial Officer

    Diana Piquette, the Chief Financial Officer at Nassau, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire enterprise. Overseeing financial reporting and risk assessment, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the $18 billion in assets under management remain protected and productive. Diana Piquette directs the budgeting processes that support the delivery of guaranteed income products to policyholders. This leadership role involves providing critical data to the Board to inform high-level decision-making regarding market expansion. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the stability of the company. Piquette works closely with other executives to align fiscal objectives with the firm's 170-year legacy of service. Through precise analysis of market trends, the Chief Financial Officer drives the financial performance necessary to meet retirement goals. Ultimately, Piquette ensures the long-term viability of the organization.
    Diana Piquette

    Justin Banulski - Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Asset Management

    Justin Banulski, the Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Asset Management at Nassau, oversees the financial performance of the firm's investment portfolios. Managing the allocation of assets, the Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Asset Management ensures that investment strategies generate the returns necessary to support guaranteed income products. Justin Banulski directs the financial planning for the asset management division, focusing on risk-adjusted growth. This role involves monitoring market conditions to optimize the $18 billion in assets under management. By providing detailed financial analysis, the Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Asset Management supports the broader investment committee in making informed decisions. Banulski works to align asset management activities with the company's commitment to protecting retirement savings. Through the rigorous management of investment capital, the Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Asset Management drives the financial strength of the firm. Ultimately, Banulski ensures the long-term performance of the investment portfolio.

    Richard Cannone - Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Life Insurance Company of Texas

    Richard Cannone, the Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Life Insurance Company of Texas at Nassau, manages the financial operations specific to the Texas-based life insurance business. Overseeing the accounting and regulatory reporting for this regional entity, the Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Life Insurance Company of Texas ensures that all insurance products meet local and national standards. Richard Cannone directs the financial planning for life insurance offerings, focusing on maintaining the solvency and profitability of the regional portfolio. This role involves analyzing policyholder data to ensure that the company can meet its long-term obligations. By managing the financial health of the Texas operations, the Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Life Insurance Company of Texas contributes to the overall stability of the firm. Cannone works to ensure that regional financial goals align with the corporate mission. Ultimately, Cannone secures the financial integrity of the life insurance business.

    Junping Shao - President of 1851 Securities, Inc. (Broker-Dealer)

    Junping Shao, the President of 1851 Securities, Inc. (Broker-Dealer) at Nassau, leads the brokerage operations that facilitate the distribution of financial products. Overseeing the compliance and sales activities of the broker-dealer, the President of 1851 Securities, Inc. (Broker-Dealer) ensures that all transactions adhere to regulatory requirements. Junping Shao directs the strategic growth of the brokerage arm to expand the reach of the company's retirement solutions. This role involves managing relationships with financial advisors and ensuring that the distribution network remains effective. By optimizing the brokerage platform, the President of 1851 Securities, Inc. (Broker-Dealer) supports the firm's goal of delivering best-in-class service to contract holders. Shao works to align the broker-dealer's activities with the broader corporate strategy of the firm. Through the effective management of brokerage operations, the President of 1851 Securities, Inc. (Broker-Dealer) drives revenue growth. Ultimately, Shao expands the market presence of the organization.

    Thomas Culbertson - Chief Technology Officer

    Thomas Culbertson, the Chief Technology Officer at Nassau, architects the digital infrastructure required to support modern insurance operations. Overseeing the development of scalable platforms, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that policyholders experience seamless interactions when managing retirement savings or health care costs. Thomas Culbertson drives the integration of advanced software solutions to simplify complex administrative processes. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to align technological capabilities with the broader corporate strategy of the firm. By modernizing legacy systems, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the efficiency of the entire organization. Culbertson prioritizes the security and reliability of digital assets to maintain the trust of 400,000 contract holders. Through the implementation of innovative tools, the Chief Technology Officer supports the company's commitment to best-in-class service. Ultimately, Culbertson optimizes the technological landscape to facilitate long-term growth.

    Diane Ellsworth - Chief of Staff

    Diane Ellsworth, the Chief of Staff at Nassau, coordinates cross-functional initiatives to ensure operational alignment across all departments. Overseeing the execution of strategic priorities, the Chief of Staff facilitates communication between the executive team and the broader organization. Diane Ellsworth manages the flow of information to streamline decision-making processes and enhance organizational agility. This role involves identifying operational bottlenecks and implementing solutions that improve service delivery for 400,000 policyholders. By fostering collaboration, the Chief of Staff ensures that every business unit remains focused on the core mission of protecting retirement savings. Ellsworth supports the Chief Executive Officer in driving corporate initiatives that maintain the firm's competitive edge. Through the management of internal projects, the Chief of Staff optimizes the daily operations of the Hartford headquarters. Ultimately, Ellsworth drives the internal cohesion required to sustain the company's long-term success.

    Neel Datar - Chief Information Officer

    Neel Datar, the Chief Information Officer at Nassau, directs the data management and information security strategies that protect sensitive policyholder information. Overseeing the integrity of internal databases, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all systems remain compliant with industry regulations. Neel Datar architects robust data frameworks that allow the company to analyze retirement trends and improve product offerings. This role involves managing the flow of information across the enterprise to support efficient service delivery. By implementing advanced cybersecurity measures, the Chief Information Officer safeguards the assets and personal data of 400,000 contract holders. Datar collaborates with the technology team to ensure that information systems support the firm's broader digital transformation goals. Through the strategic use of data analytics, the Chief Information Officer drives operational insights that enhance the customer experience. Ultimately, Datar secures the information backbone of the organization.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Nassau Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Nassau?
    Nassau is led by Phillip Gass (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Diana Piquette (Chief Financial Officer) and Justin Banulski (Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Asset Management).
    Who is part of Nassau’s executive team?
    The executive team of Nassau includes leaders such as Phillip Gass (Chief Executive Officer), Diana Piquette (Chief Financial Officer), Justin Banulski (Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Asset Management) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Nassau have?
    Nassau has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Nassau’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Nassau includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Asset Management, Chief Financial Officer, Nassau Life Insurance Company of Texas, President of 1851 Securities, Inc. (Broker-Dealer).