Leadership Overview
Northwestern Mutual has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, regional operations, financial management, and organizational coordination.
Committed to long-term financial security for families, Northwestern Mutual delivers comprehensive insurance, investment, and planning solutions that empower clients to protect income and build lasting wealth through personalized guidance.
Committed to long-term financial security for families, Northwestern Mutual delivers comprehensive insurance, investment, and planning solutions that empower clients to protect income and build lasting wealth through personalized guidance.
Leadership Roles at Northwestern Mutual
Timothy Gerend - Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer
Timothy Gerend, the Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer at Northwestern Mutual, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire financial services organization. Overseeing the integration of life, disability, and long-term care insurance products, the Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer ensures that the company maintains a robust market position across the United States. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine investment solutions and personalized financial planning frameworks. By prioritizing long-term financial security for clients, Timothy Gerend drives the operational excellence required to sustain growth in a competitive industry. The Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer also manages the alignment of various subsidiaries to ensure consistent service delivery. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance and capital allocation, Gerend secures the stability of the firm while fostering innovation in digital financial tools and client-advisor relationships.
Stephen Mannebach - Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of NM- Louisiana and Mississippi
Stephen Mannebach, the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of NM- Louisiana and Mississippi at Northwestern Mutual, directs regional operations across the Gulf Coast. Overseeing the expansion of insurance and investment services, the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of NM- Louisiana and Mississippi ensures that local advisors provide high-quality financial planning to families and businesses. This leadership role involves scaling the regional footprint through talent acquisition and professional development programs. By optimizing the delivery of disability and long-term care insurance, Stephen Mannebach directly impacts the financial resilience of the community. The Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of NM- Louisiana and Mississippi also coordinates with national leadership to implement standardized wealth management strategies. Through consistent focus on client outcomes and operational efficiency, Mannebach strengthens the regional market presence while maintaining the core values of the firm.
Martin Engquist - Chief Financial Officer
Martin Engquist, the Chief Financial Officer at Northwestern Mutual, directs the financial health and fiscal strategy of the entire organization. Overseeing capital management, financial reporting, and investment risk assessment, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains a strong balance sheet to support its insurance and investment obligations. This leadership role involves working with the Board to set financial targets and monitor performance across all business units. By optimizing the company's capital structure, Martin Engquist drives the financial stability required to deliver on long-term promises to policyholders. The Chief Financial Officer also manages the firm's interactions with regulatory bodies and financial analysts to ensure transparency and compliance. Through rigorous oversight of corporate finance and strategic planning, Engquist supports the firm's growth initiatives while maintaining a conservative risk profile. The Chief Financial Officer consistently provides the financial foundation necessary for the company to thrive.
Julie Cnossen - Chief of Staff
Julie Cnossen, the Chief of Staff at Northwestern Mutual, directs the operational flow and strategic alignment of the executive office. Overseeing the coordination of key initiatives and cross-departmental projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that the leadership team remains focused on the company's core mission. This leadership role involves managing the executive agenda and facilitating communication between the C-suite and the broader organization. By streamlining decision-making processes and ensuring the effective execution of strategic priorities, Julie Cnossen drives organizational efficiency. The Chief of Staff also acts as a liaison for the Board and external stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with corporate goals. Through a focus on operational excellence and proactive problem-solving, Cnossen supports the firm's ability to adapt to changing market conditions. The Chief of Staff consistently delivers value by optimizing the executive office's impact on the company's long-term success.
Cole Cunningham - Managing Director
Cole Cunningham, the Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual, directs the growth of specialized investment portfolios and client acquisition strategies. Overseeing a dedicated team of financial professionals, the Managing Director ensures that personalized financial planning remains the cornerstone of every client interaction. This leadership role involves architecting complex wealth management solutions that address the specific needs of high-net-worth individuals. By leveraging the company's extensive suite of insurance and annuity products, Cole Cunningham drives revenue growth and enhances client retention. The Managing Director also collaborates with cross-functional teams to refine the firm's approach to market volatility and long-term asset protection. Through disciplined management of client portfolios and a focus on sustainable financial outcomes, Cunningham supports the broader mission of the organization. Ultimately, the Managing Director maintains high standards of service excellence while expanding the reach of the firm's financial planning services.
Ryan Goldman - Managing Director
Ryan Goldman, the Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual, directs the implementation of advanced risk management strategies for a diverse client base. Overseeing the integration of life insurance and disability coverage, the Managing Director ensures that families achieve comprehensive protection against unforeseen financial events. This leadership role involves mentoring junior advisors and fostering a culture of professional development within the firm. By analyzing market trends and adjusting investment strategies, Ryan Goldman drives the creation of tailored financial roadmaps that support long-term wealth accumulation. The Managing Director also coordinates with internal specialists to provide holistic planning services that encompass both insurance and investment needs. Through a commitment to client-centric service and rigorous financial analysis, Goldman enhances the firm's reputation for reliability and expertise. The Managing Director consistently delivers value by aligning individual client goals with the broader financial capabilities of the organization.
James Dexter - Managing Director
James Dexter, the Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual, directs the strategic development of retirement planning services and annuity solutions. Overseeing the deployment of capital-efficient investment strategies, the Managing Director ensures that clients maintain financial independence throughout retirement. This leadership role involves managing complex client relationships and providing expert guidance on long-term care insurance options. By optimizing the firm's financial planning tools, James Dexter drives the successful execution of wealth preservation strategies for families. The Managing Director also works closely with regional leadership to identify new market opportunities and improve service delivery models. Through a focus on data-driven decision-making and personalized client engagement, Dexter strengthens the firm's position as a leader in the financial services sector. The Managing Director consistently achieves growth targets by providing clear, actionable advice that helps clients navigate the complexities of modern financial markets.
Michael Blivens - Managing Director
Michael Blivens, the Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual, directs the operational efficiency of financial planning teams focused on business owners and corporate clients. Overseeing the design of executive benefit programs and succession planning services, the Managing Director ensures that business leaders protect their assets and secure their financial future. This leadership role involves coordinating with tax and legal professionals to provide comprehensive wealth management solutions. By integrating life insurance and investment products into corporate strategies, Michael Blivens drives significant value for the firm's commercial client base. The Managing Director also manages the recruitment and training of high-performing advisors to ensure consistent service quality. Through a focus on strategic partnerships and innovative financial planning, Blivens supports the long-term growth of the organization. The Managing Director maintains a rigorous approach to risk management while delivering customized solutions that address the unique challenges faced by business owners.
Jonathan Brito - Managing Director
Jonathan Brito, the Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual, directs the expansion of financial planning services within emerging market segments. Overseeing the development of digital-first client engagement strategies, the Managing Director ensures that the firm remains accessible to a new generation of investors. This leadership role involves leveraging the company's robust insurance and investment platform to create simplified, high-impact financial solutions. By analyzing consumer behavior and market shifts, Jonathan Brito drives the adoption of modern planning tools that enhance client satisfaction. The Managing Director also collaborates with technology teams to streamline the onboarding process and improve the overall client experience. Through a focus on innovation and strategic outreach, Brito expands the firm's footprint and increases brand awareness. The Managing Director consistently delivers results by aligning the firm's traditional strengths with the evolving needs of a diverse and growing client base.
Garrett Bleakley - Managing Director
Garrett Bleakley, the Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual, directs the implementation of comprehensive wealth management programs for high-net-worth families. Overseeing the coordination of investment portfolios and insurance coverage, the Managing Director ensures that clients achieve their long-term financial objectives. This leadership role involves managing complex estate planning needs and providing strategic advice on asset allocation. By utilizing the firm's extensive resources, Garrett Bleakley drives the creation of customized financial plans that mitigate risk and maximize growth. The Managing Director also mentors a team of advisors to ensure the highest standards of professional conduct and service excellence. Through a focus on building enduring client relationships and delivering consistent financial performance, Bleakley strengthens the firm's market position. The Managing Director consistently achieves success by providing clear, expert guidance that helps families navigate the complexities of wealth management and long-term financial security.
Explore Leadership Teams in Insurance
Point C is a privately held, national network of third-party administrators (TPAs) of self-insured healthcare plans, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2020. The company operates as a family of regional TPA partners, each with local market expertise and deep knowledge of specific industries, collectively serving small to midsize employers across the United States. Point C designs and administers customized self-funded benefit programs, providing employers with cost-containment strategies, data-driven insights, and a unified member experience. Its service offerings include claims administration, care management, utilization management, flexible spending accounts, health reimbursement accounts, COBRA administration, and access to provider networks and affiliated clinical partners. Point C's care management team serves as a single point of contact for high-cost members, helping navigate care to high-quality, cost-effective providers. Members can access benefit information and support through a mobile app, and the company provides dedicated customer service for members, employers, and brokers. Point C is backed by Shore Capital Partners.
Company Leadership BF
WM
LIBERTY is a privately held dental benefits corporation established in 2001. LIBERTYs CEO, Marti Lolli, leads an Executive Management Team of dentists and health industry professionals with approximately 300 years of combined servicing and implementation experience. LIBERTY currently administers dental benefits to approximately 6.5 million members across the USA. LIBERTY has developed and maintains a national, proprietary contracted provider network, comprised of qualified general and specialty dentists as well as hospitals, dental schools, FQHCs and community based clinics. LIBERTY has built a solid reputation by meeting and exceeding our clients, providers and members expectations allowing us to maintain customer loyalty with over 90% client retention. We approach each client relationship with a focus on offering customized solutions utilizing our certified information and communication technology to meet our clients specific needs. We have successfully developed and implemented a myriad of innovative solutions including value-based provider compensation, value-added benefit programs and community outreach programs, designed to improve the quality and efficiency of the provision of oral health care in all of our markets. This company provides dental plans and insurance services. Their headquarters are located in Irvine, California.
Company Leadership
NP
Sompo Sigorta provides business services. Contact them directly for more information about their offerings.
Company Leadership MA
Established in 2003 and headquartered in the city of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, Northbridge Financial Corporation is a commercial property and casualty insurance management company.
Company Leadership
CH
AO
CP
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northwestern Mutual Top Executives and Leadership Team
