Northwestern Mutual Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Northwestern Mutual has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and staff support.

Driven by a commitment to long-term financial strength, Northwestern Mutual focuses on policyowner outcomes through integrated insurance and investment solutions, empowering individuals and families with comprehensive financial planning.

Leadership Roles at Northwestern Mutual

  • Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer - Timothy Gerend
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer, 4 A Purpose Financial - Layton Harris
  • Chief Financial Officer - Adam Turner
  • Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Business Architect - Bethany Rodenhuis
  • Chief Operating Officer & Financial Advisor - Rebecca Bigoss
  • Chief Operating Officer, The Wisefit Firm - Melissa Keever
  • Director, Finance & Operations Executive & To The Partner & Chief Operating Officer - Amanda Deye
  • Chief of Staff - Katrina Maggio
  • Chief of Staff & Lead Advisor - Casey Lewis
  • Director, Senior Strategy Planning (Business Ops) & Chief of Staff & Chief Field Officer - Theresa Ko
  • Timothy Gerend - Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer

    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's leadership guides the company's mission to provide financial planning through advisors, underpinned by robust insurance and investment solutions. This executive role involves setting the long-term vision, ensuring policyowner focus, and driving financial strength to achieve optimal client outcomes. Overseeing the integration of wealth planning and life insurance offerings, Gerend ensures a cohesive client experience. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering innovation within the company's product development and service delivery frameworks. By championing a client-centric approach, Timothy Gerend solidifies Northwestern Mutual's market position and commitment to enduring financial well-being for individuals and families across the United States.
    Timothy Gerend

    Layton Harris - Founder & Chief Executive Officer, 4 A Purpose Financial

    Layton Harris, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, 4 A Purpose Financial at Northwestern Mutual, establishes the strategic direction and operational framework for the specialized financial services entity. Harris's founding role signifies a deep commitment to purpose-driven financial planning, leveraging insurance and investment solutions to serve clients effectively. This executive position involves cultivating a client-first culture and ensuring the long-term financial strength of the organization. Overseeing the development and implementation of unique wealth planning offerings, Layton Harris ensures alignment with the broader Northwestern Mutual mission. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include driving growth through innovative advisory models and maintaining a strong focus on client outcomes. By championing a distinct approach to financial services, Layton Harris reinforces Northwestern Mutual's dedication to empowering individuals and families.
    Layton Harris

    Adam Turner - Chief Financial Officer

    Adam Turner, the Chief Financial Officer at Northwestern Mutual, directs the financial strategy and fiscal operations of the mutual financial services company. Turner's leadership ensures the long-term financial strength and stability that underpins Northwestern Mutual's client-focused approach. This critical role involves managing all aspects of financial planning, investment portfolio oversight, and risk management to support the delivery of insurance and wealth planning solutions. Overseeing the company's capital allocation and financial performance, the Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in maintaining policyowner value. Adam Turner's responsibilities include ensuring compliance with financial regulations and driving efficiency across all business units. By maintaining rigorous financial discipline, Adam Turner supports Northwestern Mutual's commitment to exceptional client outcomes and enduring financial security for individuals and families.
    Adam Turner

    Bethany Rodenhuis - Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Business Architect

    Bethany Rodenhuis, the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Business Architect at Northwestern Mutual, designs and directs the operational framework that supports the company's financial services mission. Rodenhuis's leadership ensures the efficient delivery of insurance and investment solutions, underpinning Northwestern Mutual's commitment to long-term financial strength and policyowner outcomes. This executive role involves architecting scalable business processes and optimizing operational workflows to enhance wealth planning and life insurance offerings. Overseeing the company's operational infrastructure, Bethany Rodenhuis drives efficiency and innovation across all business units. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include ensuring seamless integration of technology and business strategy to support advisor-led financial planning. By meticulously designing and executing operational strategies, Bethany Rodenhuis strengthens Northwestern Mutual's capacity to serve individuals and families effectively.
    Bethany Rodenhuis

    Rebecca Bigoss - Chief Operating Officer & Financial Advisor

    Rebecca Bigoss, the Chief Operating Officer & Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, integrates operational leadership with direct client advisory services, embodying the company's dual focus on efficiency and client success. Bigoss's role ensures the effective implementation of insurance and investment solutions, supporting Northwestern Mutual's mission of providing comprehensive financial planning. This executive position is crucial for maintaining the organization's long-term financial strength and prioritizing policyowner outcomes in wealth planning. Overseeing operational improvements and directly advising clients on life insurance and wealth management strategies, Rebecca Bigoss drives tangible results. The Chief Operating Officer & Financial Advisor's responsibilities include optimizing internal processes while fostering strong client relationships. By harmonizing operational oversight with personalized financial guidance, Rebecca Bigoss exemplifies Northwestern Mutual's dedication to empowering individuals and families.

    Melissa Keever - Chief Operating Officer, The Wisefit Firm

    Melissa Keever, the Chief Operating Officer, The Wisefit Firm at Northwestern Mutual, directs the operational strategy and execution for the specialized firm, ensuring alignment with broader company objectives. Keever's leadership focuses on optimizing the delivery of financial planning services, supported by insurance and investment solutions, to enhance client outcomes. This executive role is pivotal in maintaining the firm's operational efficiency and contributing to Northwestern Mutual's long-term financial strength. Overseeing the day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives within The Wisefit Firm, Melissa Keever ensures seamless service delivery for wealth planning and life insurance offerings. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include driving process improvements and fostering a culture of excellence. By managing operational complexities, Melissa Keever supports Northwestern Mutual's commitment to empowering individuals and families with sound financial guidance.

    Amanda Deye - Director, Finance & Operations Executive & To The Partner & Chief Operating Officer

    Amanda Deye, the Director, Finance & Operations Executive & To The Partner & Chief Operating Officer at Northwestern Mutual, provides comprehensive oversight of financial and operational functions, supporting strategic partnerships and executive leadership. Deye's multifaceted role ensures the efficient execution of the company's mission to deliver financial planning through advisors, leveraging insurance and investment solutions for policyowner success. This executive position is critical for maintaining Northwestern Mutual's long-term financial strength and driving optimal client outcomes in wealth planning. Overseeing financial management, operational processes, and key partner relationships, Amanda Deye contributes significantly to the organization's strategic objectives. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational agility. By integrating finance, operations, and strategic partnerships, Amanda Deye reinforces Northwestern Mutual's commitment to empowering individuals and families.

    Katrina Maggio - Chief of Staff

    Katrina Maggio, the Chief of Staff at Northwestern Mutual, provides strategic support and operational coordination across key executive functions. Maggio's role is integral to ensuring the smooth execution of the company's mission to deliver financial planning through advisors, supported by insurance and investment solutions. This position involves facilitating communication between departments and driving initiatives that enhance long-term financial strength and client outcomes. Overseeing special projects and strategic planning efforts, Katrina Maggio ensures alignment with the policyowner-focused organization's objectives. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include optimizing operational efficiency and supporting the executive leadership team in achieving wealth planning and life insurance goals. By streamlining operations and enhancing strategic alignment, Katrina Maggio contributes significantly to Northwestern Mutual's enduring client success.

    Casey Lewis - Chief of Staff & Lead Advisor

    Casey Lewis, the Chief of Staff & Lead Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, bridges strategic operational oversight with direct client advisory services. Lewis's dual role ensures that the company's mission of providing financial planning through advisors, supported by insurance and investment solutions, is executed with both strategic precision and client-centric focus. This position is vital for maintaining the organization's long-term financial strength and prioritizing policyowner outcomes. Overseeing key initiatives and providing expert guidance on wealth planning and life insurance offerings, Casey Lewis directly impacts client success. The Chief of Staff & Lead Advisor's responsibilities include driving operational improvements while simultaneously delivering exceptional financial advice. By integrating strategic leadership with hands-on advisory, Casey Lewis exemplifies Northwestern Mutual's commitment to empowering individuals and families.

    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, drives strategic planning and operational excellence across the company's field operations. Ko's comprehensive role ensures the effective delivery of financial planning through advisors, leveraging insurance and investment solutions to achieve policyowner-focused outcomes. This executive position is critical for maintaining Northwestern Mutual's long-term financial strength and enhancing client wealth planning services. Overseeing the strategic alignment of business operations and field force development, Theresa Ko directly supports the company's growth objectives. The Chief Field Officer's responsibilities include fostering advisor success and ensuring seamless integration of life insurance and wealth management offerings. By championing strategic initiatives and field engagement, Theresa Ko reinforces Northwestern Mutual's commitment to client prosperity.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northwestern Mutual Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Northwestern Mutual?
    Northwestern Mutual is led by Timothy Gerend (Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Layton Harris (Founder & Chief Executive Officer, 4 A Purpose Financial) and Adam Turner (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Northwestern Mutual’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northwestern Mutual includes leaders such as Timothy Gerend (Chairman & President, Chief Executive Officer), Layton Harris (Founder & Chief Executive Officer, 4 A Purpose Financial), Adam Turner (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, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, 4 A Purpose Financial, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Business Architect, Chief Operating Officer & Financial Advisor.