Principal Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Principal has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and technology.

Driven by a commitment to financial security, Principal delivers comprehensive retirement solutions, asset management, and insurance products, impacting clients globally through diverse financial services.

Leadership Roles at Principal

  • Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer - Deanna Strable-Soethout
  • Chief Executive Officer, Private Fund Management, Head of Sales (China) & Managing Director - Chia-wen Fu
  • Chief Financial Officer, Retirement & Income Solutions Division - Louis Flori
  • Head Chief Financial Officer, Phillipines Global Delivery Enterprise Financial Planning & Analysis (India) - Reetesh Gupta
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Joel Pitz
  • Chief Financial Officer, Corporate - Scott Sailer
  • Chief Operating Officer (Brazil) - Nelson Katz
  • Chief Operating Officer & Securities Principal - Julie Leclere
  • Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer - Bethany Wood
  • Chief Information Officer & Asset Management Principal (Asia) - Chee Tan
  • Deanna Strable-Soethout - Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Deanna Strable-Soethout, the Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer at Principal, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the global financial services organization. Strable-Soethout guides the company's mission to deliver retirement solutions, asset management, and insurance products to a diverse client base. This leadership role involves setting the strategic vision for all business segments, including retirement and income solutions, global investment management, international financial services, and U.S. insurance offerings. Ensuring alignment across these divisions, Strable-Soethout drives initiatives that foster long-term financial security and robust risk management for businesses, individuals, and institutional clients worldwide. The Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on expanding market reach and enhancing service delivery through innovation and strategic partnerships. Deanna Strable-Soethout's executive oversight ensures the company's continued growth and its commitment to client success in the global financial landscape.
    Deanna Strable-Soethout

    Chia-wen Fu - Chief Executive Officer, Private Fund Management, Head of Sales (China) & Managing Director

    Chia-wen Fu, the Chief Executive Officer, Private Fund Management, Head of Sales (China) & Managing Director at Principal, spearheads the private fund management division and leads sales initiatives within China. Fu's responsibilities encompass driving growth in asset management across multiple asset classes, with a specific focus on expanding Principal's footprint in the Asian market. This executive role involves developing and executing sales strategies tailored to the unique demands of the Chinese financial sector, ensuring robust client acquisition and retention. The Chief Executive Officer, Private Fund Management, Head of Sales (China) & Managing Director also oversees the strategic direction of private fund offerings, aligning them with the company's broader objective of supporting long-term financial security. Chia-wen Fu's leadership ensures the effective integration of regional sales efforts with global investment management strategies, contributing significantly to the company's international financial services segment.
    Chia-wen Fu

    Louis Flori - Chief Financial Officer, Retirement & Income Solutions Division

    Louis Flori, the Chief Financial Officer, Retirement & Income Solutions Division at Principal, manages the financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the company's core retirement and income solutions segment. Flori's oversight includes budgeting, financial forecasting, and resource allocation to support the delivery of retirement savings and income products. This critical role ensures the financial health and sustainability of offerings designed to provide long-term financial security for clients. The Chief Financial Officer, Retirement & Income Solutions Division collaborates with other financial leaders to optimize profitability and manage financial risks inherent in the insurance and asset management sectors. Louis Flori's expertise is vital in driving the financial performance of this key division, supporting its expansion and its commitment to client well-being through sound financial management.

    Reetesh Gupta - Head Chief Financial Officer, Phillipines Global Delivery Enterprise Financial Planning & Analysis (India)

    Reetesh Gupta, the Head Chief Financial Officer, Phillipines Global Delivery Enterprise Financial Planning & Analysis (India) at Principal, directs financial planning and analysis for the global delivery enterprise, with specific oversight for operations in the Philippines and India. Gupta's responsibilities include managing financial reporting, budgeting, and strategic financial analysis to support operational efficiency and growth across these key delivery centers. This role is integral to optimizing the financial performance of Principal's international financial services operations. The Head Chief Financial Officer, Phillipines Global Delivery Enterprise Financial Planning & Analysis (India) ensures that financial strategies align with the company's global objectives, particularly in enhancing its service delivery capabilities. Reetesh Gupta's financial acumen supports the company's mission to provide robust financial products and services worldwide.

    Joel Pitz - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Joel Pitz, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Principal, oversees the comprehensive financial strategy and management for the entire organization. Pitz's leadership encompasses financial reporting, capital management, investor relations, and ensuring the fiscal integrity of all business operations. This executive position is crucial for maintaining the company's financial stability and driving its growth across retirement solutions, asset management, and insurance products. The Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in strategic decision-making, evaluating investment opportunities, and managing financial risks to safeguard client assets and company value. Joel Pitz's financial stewardship ensures Principal's capacity to deliver long-term financial security and robust risk management solutions to its global clientele.

    Scott Sailer - Chief Financial Officer, Corporate

    Scott Sailer, the Chief Financial Officer, Corporate at Principal, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal direction of the parent corporation. Sailer's responsibilities include overseeing corporate accounting, financial planning, and analysis to ensure the company's financial stability and growth across all its business segments. This executive role is critical for providing accurate financial insights and supporting strategic decision-making at the highest levels. The Chief Financial Officer, Corporate collaborates with divisional CFOs to maintain a cohesive financial strategy, manage capital allocation, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Scott Sailer's financial expertise is essential for upholding Principal's commitment to delivering robust financial products and services and supporting long-term financial security for its global clientele.

    Nelson Katz - Chief Operating Officer (Brazil)

    Nelson Katz, the Chief Operating Officer (Brazil) at Principal, directs the operational execution and strategic development within the Brazilian market. Katz's role involves optimizing the delivery of retirement solutions, asset management, and insurance products tailored to the specific needs of Brazilian businesses and individuals. This leadership position focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, managing local regulatory compliance, and driving service excellence across all Brazilian operations. The Chief Operating Officer (Brazil) ensures seamless integration of local strategies with Principal's global operational framework, contributing to the company's international financial services segment. Nelson Katz's operational expertise is fundamental to expanding Principal's market presence and reinforcing its commitment to supporting long-term financial security in Brazil.
    Nelson Katz

    Julie Leclere - Chief Operating Officer & Securities Principal

    Julie Leclere, the Chief Operating Officer & Securities Principal at Principal, manages critical operational functions and oversees securities compliance for the organization. Leclere's responsibilities include streamlining business processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards across all service offerings, including retirement solutions, asset management, and insurance. This executive role is pivotal in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of Principal's global operations. The Chief Operating Officer & Securities Principal collaborates with various departments to implement best practices, drive technological advancements, and support the company's mission of delivering financial security. Julie Leclere's operational leadership ensures the robust and compliant delivery of financial products and services to clients worldwide.
    Julie Leclere

    Bethany Wood - Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer

    Bethany Wood, the Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer at Principal, directs the company's global marketing strategies and brand development initiatives. Wood's leadership focuses on enhancing Principal's market presence and communicating the value of its retirement solutions, asset management, and insurance products to diverse client segments. This role involves overseeing all aspects of marketing, including digital engagement, advertising, public relations, and market research, to drive client acquisition and retention. The Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer ensures that marketing efforts align with the company's overarching mission of supporting long-term financial security and risk management. Bethany Wood's strategic marketing vision is instrumental in strengthening Principal's brand reputation and expanding its reach across domestic and international markets.
    Bethany Wood

    Chee Tan - Chief Information Officer & Asset Management Principal (Asia)

    Chee Tan, the Chief Information Officer & Asset Management Principal (Asia) at Principal, leads the technology strategy and oversees asset management operations within the Asian region. Tan's role involves driving digital transformation, managing IT infrastructure, and ensuring the secure and efficient delivery of technology solutions that support Principal's business objectives. This executive position is crucial for enhancing operational capabilities and fostering innovation in asset management across Asia. The Chief Information Officer & Asset Management Principal (Asia) ensures that technology investments align with the company's global strategy, particularly in supporting its international financial services and investment management segments. Chee Tan's leadership in technology and asset management is vital for expanding Principal's market position and delivering value to clients in the dynamic Asian financial landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Principal Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Principal?
    Principal is led by Deanna Strable-Soethout (Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Chia-wen Fu (Chief Executive Officer, Private Fund Management, Head of Sales (China) & Managing Director) and Louis Flori (Chief Financial Officer, Retirement & Income Solutions Division).
    Who is part of Principal’s executive team?
    The executive team of Principal includes leaders such as Deanna Strable-Soethout (Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer), Chia-wen Fu (Chief Executive Officer, Private Fund Management, Head of Sales (China) & Managing Director), Louis Flori (Chief Financial Officer, Retirement & Income Solutions Division) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Principal have?
    Principal has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Principal’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Principal includes roles such as Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Private Fund Management, Head of Sales (China) & Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer, Retirement & Income Solutions Division, Head Chief Financial Officer, Phillipines Global Delivery Enterprise Financial Planning & Analysis (India), Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer.