Pekin Insurance Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pekin Insurance has 6 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, human resources, and information technology.

Driven by a legacy of service, Pekin Insurance provides comprehensive insurance solutions across auto, home, life, health, and business sectors, upholding a commitment to policyholder security and community well-being since 1921.

Leadership Roles at Pekin Insurance

  • Chief Financial Officer - Ryan Hanson
  • President and Chief Operating Officer, Life - Brian Lee
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Joel Jackson
  • Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C - Jocelyn Duncan
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Cynthia Blackburn
  • Chief Information Officer & Vice President - Christopher Izatt
  • Ryan Hanson - Chief Financial Officer

    Ryan Hanson, the Chief Financial Officer at Pekin Insurance, directs all financial planning, accounting, and investment strategies. Hanson oversees the fiscal health of the organization, ensuring robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory requirements across all insurance lines. This leadership role involves managing capital allocation, optimizing profitability, and driving financial performance to support the company's long-term growth objectives. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, Hanson guides strategic financial decisions that enhance shareholder value and maintain policyholder confidence. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to risk management, treasury operations, and the accurate reporting of financial results, solidifying the company's stability. Ryan Hanson's expertise is crucial for navigating the complex financial landscape of the insurance industry, ensuring operational efficiency and sustainable development for Pekin Insurance.
    Ryan Hanson

    Brian Lee - President and Chief Operating Officer, Life

    Brian Lee, the President and Chief Operating Officer, Life at Pekin Insurance, spearheads the strategic direction and operational execution for the life insurance division. Lee directs all aspects of life product development, sales, and service, ensuring alignment with the company's overall mission. This executive leadership role involves fostering innovation within the life insurance portfolio, expanding market reach, and enhancing customer satisfaction through efficient operations. By collaborating with other senior leaders, Brian Lee drives initiatives that strengthen the company's competitive position in the life insurance market. The President and Chief Operating Officer, Life's focus is on optimizing underwriting processes, claims management, and policy administration to deliver exceptional value to policyholders. Lee's oversight ensures the sustained profitability and growth of the life insurance segment, contributing significantly to Pekin Insurance's comprehensive offerings.

    Joel Jackson - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Joel Jackson, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pekin Insurance, directs the company's overarching operational strategies and execution across its diverse insurance lines. Jackson oversees the efficiency and effectiveness of daily business operations, including underwriting, claims processing, and customer service, ensuring seamless service delivery. This executive role involves optimizing operational workflows, implementing process improvements, and leveraging technology to enhance productivity and reduce costs. By fostering cross-departmental collaboration, Joel Jackson ensures that all operational functions support the company's commitment to policyholder satisfaction and financial stability. The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities are central to maintaining the integrity and responsiveness of Pekin Insurance's service offerings. Jackson's leadership drives operational excellence, underpinning the company's reputation for reliability and service.
    Joel Jackson

    Jocelyn Duncan - Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C

    Jocelyn Duncan, the Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C at Pekin Insurance, manages and optimizes the operational performance for both life and property & casualty insurance segments. Duncan directs the strategic implementation of operational frameworks that enhance service delivery, claims handling, and policy management across these key divisions. This leadership role focuses on driving efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering innovation within the P&C and life insurance operations. By integrating best practices, Jocelyn Duncan ensures a cohesive and high-performing operational structure that supports policyholder needs and business objectives. The Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C's oversight is critical for maintaining the competitive edge and service quality of Pekin Insurance's core offerings. Duncan's strategic direction ensures robust operational capabilities that contribute to sustained growth and customer trust.

    Cynthia Blackburn - Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cynthia Blackburn, the Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Pekin Insurance, architects the company's talent strategy and organizational development initiatives. Blackburn oversees all human resources functions, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and performance management, ensuring a skilled and engaged workforce. This critical leadership position focuses on cultivating a positive and productive work environment that supports the company's strategic goals and operational needs. By developing and implementing HR policies, Cynthia Blackburn ensures compliance with labor laws and promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization. The Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer's role is vital in attracting and retaining top talent, fostering employee growth, and aligning human capital with Pekin Insurance's mission. Blackburn's leadership ensures that the company's most valuable asset—its people—are empowered to drive success.
    Cynthia Blackburn

    Christopher Izatt - Chief Information Officer & Vice President

    Christopher Izatt, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President at Pekin Insurance, directs the company's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Izatt oversees all aspects of information technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management, and software development, ensuring robust and secure technological operations. This executive position is pivotal in leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience, and drive business innovation across all insurance lines. By implementing cutting-edge IT solutions, Christopher Izatt ensures that Pekin Insurance maintains a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The Chief Information Officer & Vice President's responsibilities include managing IT budgets, leading technology teams, and safeguarding sensitive company and policyholder data. Izatt's strategic vision for technology is fundamental to Pekin Insurance's operational resilience and future growth.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pekin Insurance Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Pekin Insurance?
    Pekin Insurance is led by Ryan Hanson (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Brian Lee (President and Chief Operating Officer, Life) and Joel Jackson (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Pekin Insurance’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pekin Insurance includes leaders such as Ryan Hanson (Chief Financial Officer), Brian Lee (President and Chief Operating Officer, Life), Joel Jackson (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pekin Insurance have?
    Pekin Insurance has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pekin Insurance’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pekin Insurance includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, Life, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.