Northwestern Mutual Executive and Leadership Team

Timothy Gerend, the Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer at Northwestern Mutual, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the mutual financial services organization. Gerend guides the company's commitment to policyowner-focused principles, ensuring long-term financial strength and prioritizing client outcomes. This leadership involves setting the strategic vision for integrated insurance and investment solutions, driving growth across all business segments. Overseeing the entire enterprise, Timothy Gerend ensures alignment with the company's mission of providing comprehensive financial planning through dedicated advisors. The Chief Executive Officer's role encompasses fostering a culture of innovation and client-centricity, essential for navigating the evolving financial landscape and maintaining Northwestern Mutual's market position.

James Jiao, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, James Financial at Northwestern Mutual, spearheads the strategic direction and operational leadership for the financial advisory firm. Jiao focuses on delivering comprehensive financial planning, emphasizing life insurance and wealth management solutions to individuals and families. This leadership ensures the firm's alignment with Northwestern Mutual's policyowner-focused principles and commitment to long-term financial strength. Driving business development and client engagement, James Jiao cultivates a client-centric approach to wealth planning. The Chief Executive Officer's role involves fostering innovation and excellence in service delivery, supporting the organization's mission through integrated insurance and investment solutions.

Beth Horn, the Chief Operating Officer at Northwestern Mutual, manages the day-to-day operations that support the company's financial services delivery. Horn oversees the critical infrastructure and processes enabling advisors to provide comprehensive life insurance and wealth planning. This leadership ensures operational excellence, directly impacting the delivery of integrated insurance and investment solutions to individuals and families. Driving efficiency across departments, Beth Horn reinforces Northwestern Mutual's dedication to long-term financial strength and client outcomes. The Chief Operating Officer's focus includes optimizing service delivery and enhancing the advisor experience, crucial for maintaining the policyowner-focused organization's competitive edge.

Rebecca Bigoss, the Chief Operating Officer & Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, combines operational leadership with direct client advisory services. Bigoss ensures the efficient functioning of operations that support financial planning, life insurance, and wealth management offerings. This dual role allows for direct insight into client needs, reinforcing Northwestern Mutual's policyowner-focused approach and commitment to long-term financial strength. Driving operational excellence while serving clients, Rebecca Bigoss contributes to the seamless delivery of integrated insurance and investment solutions. The Chief Operating Officer's focus includes optimizing service delivery and enhancing the advisor experience to achieve superior client outcomes.

Julie Cnossen, the Chief of Staff at Northwestern Mutual, facilitates strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the organization. Cnossen supports executive leadership in driving key projects and ensuring seamless execution of the company's financial planning and wealth management objectives. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to advance the policyowner-focused mission and enhance client outcomes. Overseeing critical internal operations, Julie Cnossen ensures that strategic plans translate into tangible results, supporting the delivery of integrated insurance and investment solutions. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include optimizing communication channels and driving process improvements to uphold Northwestern Mutual's commitment to long-term financial strength.

Sam Strautmann, the Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern Mutual, directs the strategic communication and brand positioning for the mutual financial services company. Strautmann leads initiatives to articulate the value of financial planning through advisors, emphasizing life insurance and wealth management offerings. This role is pivotal in connecting with individuals and families, highlighting Northwestern Mutual's commitment to long-term financial strength and client outcomes. Overseeing all marketing efforts, Sam Strautmann ensures consistent messaging that reflects the policyowner-focused organization's core values. The Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities include driving market awareness and engagement for integrated insurance and investment solutions.

Michelle Borreson, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at Northwestern Mutual, provides critical administrative and operational support to executive leadership. Borreson facilitates the smooth functioning of human resources initiatives, contributing to the company's policyowner-focused culture and employee development. This role ensures efficient coordination of executive schedules and communications, supporting the delivery of integrated insurance and investment solutions. By managing key administrative tasks, Michelle Borreson aids in maintaining Northwestern Mutual's commitment to long-term financial strength and positive client outcomes. The Executive Assistant's support is vital for the effective operation of the human resources department.

Theresa Ko, the Director, Senior Strategy Planning (Business Ops) & Chief of Staff & Chief Field Officer at Northwestern Mutual, orchestrates strategic planning and operational execution across the company's field operations. Ko drives initiatives that enhance advisor effectiveness and client service delivery, ensuring alignment with the policyowner-focused mission. This multifaceted role involves overseeing business operations and leading field teams to achieve Northwestern Mutual's objectives for long-term financial strength. By bridging strategy and execution, Theresa Ko supports the delivery of integrated insurance and investment solutions. The Chief Field Officer's leadership ensures robust support for advisors nationwide, reinforcing client outcomes.

Ashley Reed, the Chief Of Staff To Managing Partner, Leo Tucker at Northwestern Mutual, provides strategic support and operational coordination within the managing partner's office. Reed facilitates the execution of business plans and ensures efficient management of resources dedicated to financial planning and wealth management. This role is crucial for enhancing the delivery of life insurance and investment solutions to clients. By streamlining operations and supporting key initiatives, Ashley Reed contributes to Northwestern Mutual's commitment to long-term financial strength and client outcomes. The Chief of Staff's focus includes optimizing workflows and supporting the managing partner's strategic objectives for the policyowner-focused organization.

Andrew Weisenborn, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Investments Field Services & , Wealth Management at Northwestern Mutual, leads the technological strategy and infrastructure for investment and wealth management services. Weisenborn drives innovation in technology solutions that support financial advisors and enhance client experiences. This leadership ensures the secure and efficient delivery of integrated insurance and investment solutions, reinforcing Northwestern Mutual's commitment to long-term financial strength. Overseeing technology development and implementation, Andrew Weisenborn enables advisors to provide superior financial planning. The Chief Technology Officer's role is critical in advancing the company's digital capabilities and supporting policyowner-focused outcomes.