Northwestern Mutual Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Northwestern Mutual has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial oversight, technology, and field management.

Committed to long-term financial strength for policyowners, Northwestern Mutual delivers comprehensive wealth planning and insurance solutions to families across the United States through a dedicated network of financial advisors.

Leadership Roles at Northwestern Mutual

  • Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer - Tim Gerend
  • Advisor, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Haven Wealth Advisors - Samuel Arthur
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ryan Brown
  • Chief Financial Officer & Chief Supervision Officer - Cari Brown
  • Chief Financial Officer & Group Director, Financial Planning Dill Wealth Management - Daniel Plantamura
  • Chief Operating Officer - Penny Vanhorn
  • Chief Operating Officer & Financial Advisor - Rebecca Bigoss
  • Chief of Staff - Brenda Reynolds
  • Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Investments Field Services & , Wealth Management - Andrew Weisenborn
  • Director, Senior Strategy Planning (Business Ops) & Chief of Staff & Chief Field Officer - Theresa Ko
  • Tim Gerend - Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer

    Tim Gerend, the Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer at Northwestern Mutual, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Gerend oversees the alignment of insurance and investment solutions with the long-term financial goals of policyowners. By managing the executive leadership team, the Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer ensures that the company maintains its reputation for financial strength and client-focused outcomes. This leadership role involves navigating complex market conditions to sustain growth across the United States. Tim Gerend drives the implementation of initiatives that enhance the value provided to individuals and families seeking wealth planning. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance and operational performance, the Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer secures the future stability of the firm. Gerend maintains a focus on delivering consistent results that support the mutual structure of the business while fostering innovation in financial services.
    Tim Gerend

    Samuel Arthur - Advisor, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Haven Wealth Advisors

    Samuel Arthur, the Advisor, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Haven Wealth Advisors at Northwestern Mutual, directs the strategic growth of specialized wealth management services. Arthur oversees the development of tailored financial planning strategies that address the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals. By leading the team at Haven Wealth Advisors, the Advisor, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Haven Wealth Advisors ensures that clients receive expert guidance on investment and insurance solutions. This role involves building long-term relationships that contribute to the overall financial strength of the organization. Samuel Arthur drives the expansion of wealth planning offerings by focusing on personalized client outcomes and market-leading expertise. Through the management of the firm's advisory operations, the Advisor, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Haven Wealth Advisors supports the broader mission of providing security to families. Arthur focuses on delivering consistent value through disciplined investment management and strategic financial planning.

    Ryan Brown - Chief Financial Officer

    Ryan Brown, the Chief Financial Officer at Northwestern Mutual, governs the financial health and capital management strategies of the organization. Brown oversees the fiscal planning, reporting, and risk management frameworks that protect the interests of policyowners. By analyzing market trends and investment performance, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains a robust balance sheet capable of supporting long-term obligations. This leadership role involves collaborating with the board and executive team to allocate capital toward growth initiatives and technology investments. Ryan Brown drives the financial discipline required to sustain the mutual business model in a competitive landscape. Through the management of financial controls and regulatory compliance, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the assets of the firm. Brown focuses on optimizing the financial structure to provide consistent value to clients while ensuring the organization remains well-positioned for future economic cycles.

    Cari Brown - Chief Financial Officer & Chief Supervision Officer

    Cari Brown, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Supervision Officer at Northwestern Mutual, manages the oversight of financial practices and regulatory compliance. Brown oversees the supervision of investment activities to ensure that all client interactions meet the highest standards of integrity and legal requirements. By implementing robust monitoring systems, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Supervision Officer protects the firm and its policyowners from financial risk. This role involves collaborating with legal and compliance teams to maintain a culture of accountability across the organization. Cari Brown drives the financial reporting processes that provide transparency into the company's performance. Through the management of supervision protocols, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Supervision Officer ensures that wealth planning services remain consistent with the firm's commitment to long-term financial strength. Brown focuses on mitigating risk while supporting the growth of the investment and insurance business units.
    Cari Brown

    Daniel Plantamura - Chief Financial Officer & Group Director, Financial Planning Dill Wealth Management

    Daniel Plantamura, the Chief Financial Officer & Group Director, Financial Planning Dill Wealth Management at Northwestern Mutual, manages the financial planning frameworks for specialized wealth management groups. Plantamura oversees the fiscal strategy and resource allocation that support the delivery of comprehensive financial solutions. By directing the planning efforts at Dill Wealth Management, the Chief Financial Officer & Group Director, Financial Planning Dill Wealth Management ensures that clients receive precise and effective wealth strategies. This role involves coordinating with other leaders to maintain the financial integrity of the firm's investment offerings. Daniel Plantamura drives the implementation of financial models that enhance the long-term strength of client portfolios. Through the management of planning operations, the Chief Financial Officer & Group Director, Financial Planning Dill Wealth Management supports the organization's commitment to policyowner success. Plantamura focuses on delivering high-quality financial guidance that aligns with the firm's core mission of providing lasting security.

    Penny Vanhorn - Chief Operating Officer

    Penny Vanhorn, the Chief Operating Officer at Northwestern Mutual, manages the internal processes that support the delivery of financial planning services. Vanhorn optimizes the efficiency of business operations to ensure that advisors receive the necessary infrastructure for client engagement. Overseeing the execution of corporate policies, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards for service delivery across the national network. This role involves coordinating with other executive leaders to streamline workflows and improve the overall client experience. Penny Vanhorn drives the integration of operational improvements that allow the company to scale its wealth management offerings effectively. By monitoring performance metrics and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization meets its commitments to policyowners. Vanhorn focuses on building resilient systems that support the long-term financial strength of the firm while adapting to evolving market demands in the financial services sector.
    Penny Vanhorn

    Rebecca Bigoss - Chief Operating Officer & Financial Advisor

    Rebecca Bigoss, the Chief Operating Officer & Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, manages the operational logistics of financial planning practices while serving clients directly. Bigoss oversees the implementation of service models that enhance the efficiency of wealth management delivery. By balancing the demands of operational leadership with the needs of individual clients, the Chief Operating Officer & Financial Advisor ensures that the firm's mission remains grounded in real-world application. This role involves refining the processes that allow advisors to provide comprehensive insurance and investment solutions. Rebecca Bigoss drives the adoption of best practices that improve client outcomes and operational performance. Through the management of practice-level operations, the Chief Operating Officer & Financial Advisor supports the firm's goal of maintaining long-term financial strength. Bigoss focuses on creating scalable solutions that empower advisors to deliver high-quality financial planning to families across the country.

    Brenda Reynolds - Chief of Staff

    Brenda Reynolds, the Chief of Staff at Northwestern Mutual, coordinates the strategic priorities and communication flow within the executive office. Reynolds facilitates the execution of key initiatives by aligning departmental goals with the broader mission of the company. Overseeing the administrative and operational rhythm of the leadership team, the Chief of Staff ensures that critical projects receive the necessary attention and resources. This role involves managing complex cross-functional collaborations to drive organizational efficiency and clarity. Brenda Reynolds supports the decision-making process by providing data-driven insights and managing the agenda for executive meetings. By fostering communication across the firm, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on delivering superior financial planning and insurance solutions. Reynolds maintains a focus on organizational alignment, ensuring that every business unit contributes effectively to the long-term financial strength and client-centric goals of the organization.

    Andrew Weisenborn - Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Investments Field Services & , Wealth Management

    Andrew Weisenborn, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Investments Field Services & , Wealth Management at Northwestern Mutual, architects the digital infrastructure that powers financial planning services. Weisenborn oversees the development of technology platforms that support investment management and field operations. By integrating advanced data analytics and secure systems, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Investments Field Services & , Wealth Management ensures that advisors have the tools required to deliver personalized wealth solutions. This role involves leading the digital transformation efforts that enhance client engagement and operational agility. Andrew Weisenborn drives the implementation of scalable technology solutions that protect sensitive financial data while improving service delivery. Through the management of IT strategy, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Investments Field Services & , Wealth Management supports the firm's commitment to long-term financial strength. Weisenborn focuses on leveraging technology to create a seamless experience for both advisors and clients.

    Theresa Ko - Director, Senior Strategy Planning (Business Ops) & Chief of Staff & Chief Field Officer

    Theresa Ko, the Director, Senior Strategy Planning (Business Ops) & Chief of Staff & Chief Field Officer at Northwestern Mutual, manages the strategic alignment between corporate operations and the field force. Ko oversees the planning processes that enable advisors to deliver high-quality financial planning to clients. By coordinating field initiatives and operational strategies, the Director, Senior Strategy Planning (Business Ops) & Chief of Staff & Chief Field Officer ensures that the organization maintains a strong market presence. This role involves bridging the gap between executive strategy and day-to-day field execution to drive growth. Theresa Ko drives the development of programs that support advisor productivity and client retention. Through the management of business operations, the Director, Senior Strategy Planning (Business Ops) & Chief of Staff & Chief Field Officer ensures that the firm remains responsive to the needs of individuals and families. Ko focuses on optimizing field performance to sustain the company's long-term financial strength.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northwestern Mutual Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Northwestern Mutual?
    Northwestern Mutual is led by Tim Gerend (Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Samuel Arthur (Advisor, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Haven Wealth Advisors) and Ryan Brown (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Northwestern Mutual’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northwestern Mutual includes leaders such as Tim Gerend (Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer), Samuel Arthur (Advisor, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Haven Wealth Advisors), Ryan Brown (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Northwestern Mutual have?
    Northwestern Mutual has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Northwestern Mutual’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Northwestern Mutual includes roles such as Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer, Advisor, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Haven Wealth Advisors, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Supervision Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Group Director, Financial Planning Dill Wealth Management.