Principal Executive and Leadership Team

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 across diverse client segments. This leadership role involves setting the strategic vision for all business units, including retirement and income solutions, global investment management, international financial services, and U.S. insurance offerings. Overseeing the executive team, Deanna Strable-Soethout ensures alignment with market demands and long-term financial objectives. The Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass driving innovation, fostering a culture of client-centricity, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders to enhance Principal's market position and financial stability.

Chia-wen Fu, the Chief Executive Officer, Private Fund Management, Head of Sales (China) & Managing Director at Principal, leads the strategic direction and sales initiatives for private fund management, with a significant focus on the Chinese market. Fu oversees the development and distribution of private fund products, driving sales growth and expanding market share within China. This executive role involves building strong client relationships and ensuring the successful implementation of sales strategies tailored to the unique demands of the Chinese financial landscape. By managing sales teams and fostering key partnerships, Chia-wen Fu contributes directly to Principal's international business expansion. The Chief Executive Officer, Private Fund Management, Head of Sales (China) & Managing Director's leadership ensures robust performance and strategic alignment for private fund offerings in the region.

Louis Flori, the Chief Financial Officer, Retirement & Income Solutions Division at Principal, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the company's core retirement and income offerings. Flori oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and investment analysis specifically for the retirement and income solutions segment. This critical role involves ensuring the profitability and sustainability of products designed to support long-term financial security for clients. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, Louis Flori provides financial insights that inform product development and strategic initiatives within the division. The Chief Financial Officer, Retirement & Income Solutions Division's focus extends to optimizing financial performance and managing risk exposure across all retirement-related operations, directly contributing to the company's overall financial resilience.

Reetesh Gupta, the Head Chief Financial Officer, Phillipines Global Delivery Enterprise Financial Planning & Analysis (India) at Principal, spearheads financial strategy and operational oversight for key global delivery centers and financial planning functions. Gupta directs financial operations and analysis for the Philippines global delivery enterprise, alongside critical financial planning and analysis activities in India. This multifaceted role involves optimizing financial performance, managing budgets, and providing strategic financial guidance to support Principal's international operations. By ensuring robust financial planning and analysis, Reetesh Gupta drives efficiency and cost-effectiveness across these vital regions. The Head Chief Financial Officer, Phillipines Global Delivery Enterprise Financial Planning & Analysis (India) plays a crucial part in aligning financial resources with business objectives to support global growth and operational excellence.

Michael Scholten, the Chief Financial Officer & Funds Principal at Principal, manages the financial operations and strategic fiscal oversight for the company's investment funds and overall financial structure. Scholten directs financial planning, analysis, and reporting, ensuring the fiscal integrity and profitability of Principal's diverse fund offerings. This key role involves evaluating investment performance, managing capital allocation, and providing critical financial insights to support strategic decision-making across the organization. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Michael Scholten safeguards the company's assets and enhances investor confidence. The Chief Financial Officer & Funds Principal's expertise is vital in navigating complex financial markets and driving long-term value for stakeholders.

Kenneth Dubas, the Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at Principal, directs the operational efficiency and execution across the company's global business segments. Dubas oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless delivery of retirement solutions, asset management, and insurance products to clients worldwide. This pivotal role involves optimizing business processes, managing operational risks, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality and cost-effectiveness. By streamlining operations, Kenneth Dubas supports the strategic objectives of the organization and ensures the reliable performance of all business functions. The Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer's focus is on maintaining operational excellence and supporting the company's growth trajectory through effective resource management.

Nelson Katz, the Chief Operating Officer (Brazil) at Principal, directs the operational framework and execution for the company's activities within Brazil. Katz oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives and ensures the efficient delivery of financial services, including retirement solutions and insurance products, to the Brazilian market. This role is crucial for adapting Principal's global operational standards to local regulatory requirements and market dynamics. By managing operational teams and processes, Nelson Katz drives service excellence and supports business growth in Brazil. The Chief Operating Officer (Brazil)'s responsibilities include optimizing resource allocation and enhancing operational performance to strengthen Principal's presence and competitive position in the South American region.

Bethany Wood, the Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer at Principal, drives the company's global marketing strategy and brand positioning across all product lines and markets. Wood oversees the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns designed to enhance client engagement and market penetration for retirement solutions, asset management, and insurance products. This leadership position involves directing market research, digital marketing initiatives, and brand communications to articulate Principal's value proposition. By understanding evolving client needs and market dynamics, Bethany Wood ensures marketing efforts directly support business growth objectives. The Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities include fostering brand loyalty and expanding Principal's reach to new customer segments worldwide.

Chee Tan, the Chief Information Officer & Asset Management Principal (Asia) at Principal, leads the technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives across the organization, with a specific focus on asset management operations in Asia. Tan oversees the development and implementation of robust IT infrastructure and innovative technological solutions to support Principal's diverse financial services. This role is critical in ensuring the security, scalability, and efficiency of the company's technology platforms, particularly for its asset management arm in the Asian market. By driving technological advancements, Chee Tan enhances operational capabilities and supports the delivery of cutting-edge financial products. The Chief Information Officer & Asset Management Principal (Asia)'s mandate includes leveraging technology to optimize asset management performance and expand market reach within the region.

Beth Wood, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Principal, spearheads the company's comprehensive marketing and brand development strategies across its global operations. Wood directs the creation and deployment of impactful marketing campaigns that promote Principal's diverse portfolio of retirement solutions, asset management services, and insurance products. This leadership function involves analyzing market trends, identifying customer needs, and crafting compelling brand narratives to enhance market penetration and client loyalty. By overseeing market research and digital engagement, Beth Wood ensures marketing initiatives align with corporate objectives and drive sustainable business growth. The Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer's strategic vision guides the company's communication efforts, reinforcing Principal's commitment to financial security worldwide.