Principal Financial Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Principal Financial has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, asset management, retirement solutions, and financial operations.

Focused on delivering long-term financial security, Principal Financial provides comprehensive retirement, insurance, and investment management services to a diverse global client base through specialized financial segments.

Leadership Roles at Principal Financial

  • Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer - Deanna Strable-Soethout
  • Chief Financial Officer & Head of Phillipines Enterprise Finance, Actuarial & Financial Planning & Analysis Finance Transformation (Gcc, India) - Reetesh Gupta
  • Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi - Dawn Roberts
  • Managing Director - Benjamin Haupts
  • Regional Managing Director - Todd Schoonover
  • Regional Managing Director - Richard Kimmel
  • Managing Director - Phillip Friedrich
  • Managing Director - Wayne Zeien
  • Managing Director - Casey Miller
  • Managing Director - Matthew DiPuppo
  • Deanna Strable-Soethout - Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Deanna Strable-Soethout, the Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer at Principal Financial, directs the overarching corporate strategy and global operations. Overseeing the integration of retirement solutions, asset management, and insurance products, the Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all business segments. This leadership role involves driving long-term financial security for institutional and individual clients worldwide. By managing complex risk frameworks and capital allocation, Deanna Strable-Soethout maintains the competitive market position of the firm. The Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the Board to execute growth initiatives while fostering innovation in financial services. Through rigorous oversight of international and domestic markets, the Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of the organization. Ultimately, Strable-Soethout champions the mission of providing robust financial products that support the evolving needs of a global customer base.
    Deanna Strable-Soethout

    Reetesh Gupta - Chief Financial Officer & Head of Phillipines Enterprise Finance, Actuarial & Financial Planning & Analysis Finance Transformation (Gcc, India)

    Reetesh Gupta, the Chief Financial Officer & Head of Phillipines Enterprise Finance, Actuarial & Financial Planning & Analysis Finance Transformation (Gcc, India) at Principal Financial, directs the financial health and strategic planning of the organization. Overseeing actuarial functions and financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer & Head of Phillipines Enterprise Finance, Actuarial & Financial Planning & Analysis Finance Transformation (Gcc, India) ensures the accuracy of financial reporting and the effectiveness of capital management. This role involves driving finance transformation initiatives across global centers. Reetesh Gupta manages the financial infrastructure to support the long-term goals of the firm. By optimizing actuarial models and financial analysis, the Chief Financial Officer & Head of Phillipines Enterprise Finance, Actuarial & Financial Planning & Analysis Finance Transformation (Gcc, India) provides the data necessary for strategic decision-making. Gupta leads the finance teams in India and the Philippines to ensure operational excellence and fiscal responsibility.

    Dawn Roberts - Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi

    Dawn Roberts, the Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi at Principal Financial, manages the financial operations and strategic planning for the Pfn and Psi segments. Driving fiscal discipline, the Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi oversees budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis to support the growth of retirement and insurance products. This role involves collaborating with business leaders to ensure that financial resources are allocated effectively. Dawn Roberts monitors the performance of these segments to identify opportunities for operational improvement and cost management. By providing financial insights, the Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi enables the organization to make informed decisions regarding product development and market expansion. Roberts ensures that all financial activities comply with corporate standards and regulatory requirements. Through the leadership of the finance function, the Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi supports the mission of the firm to provide reliable financial security.

    Benjamin Haupts - Managing Director

    Benjamin Haupts, the Managing Director at Principal Financial, oversees the strategic execution of investment management services within specific regional portfolios. Focusing on the delivery of asset management solutions, the Managing Director drives operational excellence to meet the unique requirements of institutional clients. This role involves coordinating with internal teams to optimize investment performance across multiple asset classes. Benjamin Haupts monitors market trends to refine product offerings and enhance client outcomes. By managing regional business development, the Managing Director expands the footprint of the firm in key financial sectors. Haupts ensures that all investment activities adhere to the risk management standards established by the organization. Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, the Managing Director supports the broader goal of providing sustainable financial growth. This leadership position remains critical to the success of the investment management segment.

    Todd Schoonover - Regional Managing Director

    Todd Schoonover, the Regional Managing Director at Principal Financial, leads the expansion and operational oversight of retirement and income solutions across designated territories. Driving regional growth, the Regional Managing Director manages the distribution of financial products designed for long-term security. This role involves architecting local market strategies that align with the global mission of the firm. Todd Schoonover coordinates with cross-functional teams to deliver specialized benefits and insurance offerings to businesses and individuals. By analyzing regional economic indicators, the Regional Managing Director optimizes service delivery and client retention. Schoonover ensures that all regional operations maintain compliance with corporate governance and risk management protocols. Through the implementation of targeted growth initiatives, the Regional Managing Director strengthens the market presence of the company. This leadership role directly impacts the ability of the firm to provide reliable retirement income solutions.

    Richard Kimmel - Regional Managing Director

    Richard Kimmel, the Regional Managing Director at Principal Financial, manages the delivery of insurance and specialty benefit products within key operational regions. Overseeing the implementation of risk management strategies, the Regional Managing Director ensures that clients receive tailored financial protection. This role involves driving regional sales performance and fostering relationships with institutional partners. Richard Kimmel coordinates with internal departments to streamline the distribution of life and disability insurance offerings. By focusing on market penetration and operational efficiency, the Regional Managing Director supports the overarching financial goals of the firm. Kimmel monitors regional performance metrics to adjust tactics and maintain a competitive edge. Through the leadership of local teams, the Regional Managing Director secures the long-term viability of insurance products. This position remains essential for maintaining the reputation of the company as a provider of comprehensive financial security.

    Phillip Friedrich - Managing Director

    Phillip Friedrich, the Managing Director at Principal Financial, directs the development and management of specialized investment portfolios. Focusing on the needs of institutional clients, the Managing Director architects strategies that leverage the diverse asset management capabilities of the firm. This role involves overseeing the performance of specific investment classes to ensure alignment with client objectives. Phillip Friedrich collaborates with other leaders to integrate risk management into every investment decision. By driving innovation in financial product design, the Managing Director enhances the value proposition for global clients. Friedrich monitors market volatility and adjusts portfolio allocations to protect capital. Through the management of investment teams, the Managing Director supports the commitment of the firm to long-term financial security. This leadership role requires deep expertise in financial markets and a focus on delivering consistent, high-quality investment results.

    Wayne Zeien - Managing Director

    Wayne Zeien, the Managing Director at Principal Financial, oversees the operational scaling of retirement savings solutions. Driving the adoption of income-focused financial products, the Managing Director ensures that individual and business clients receive high-quality service. This role involves managing the lifecycle of retirement offerings and coordinating with internal stakeholders to improve product accessibility. Wayne Zeien monitors the competitive landscape to identify opportunities for growth in the retirement segment. By implementing efficient operational processes, the Managing Director supports the mission of the firm to provide reliable financial security. Zeien leads teams focused on client engagement and product performance. Through the strategic oversight of retirement initiatives, the Managing Director contributes to the overall financial health of the organization. This leadership position remains vital for maintaining the market leadership of the firm in the retirement and income solutions space.

    Casey Miller - Managing Director

    Casey Miller, the Managing Director at Principal Financial, leads the strategic management of specialty benefits and insurance offerings. Focusing on the delivery of risk management products, the Managing Director drives initiatives that support the financial stability of businesses and individuals. This role involves overseeing the development of insurance solutions that address complex client needs. Casey Miller coordinates with cross-functional teams to ensure that product offerings remain competitive and aligned with market demands. By managing operational workflows, the Managing Director enhances the efficiency of the insurance segment. Miller monitors performance data to refine service delivery and improve client outcomes. Through the leadership of specialized teams, the Managing Director supports the broader mission of the firm to provide comprehensive financial protection. This position is critical for maintaining the strength of the insurance portfolio and ensuring long-term client satisfaction.

    Matthew DiPuppo - Managing Director

    Matthew DiPuppo, the Managing Director at Principal Financial, directs the strategic expansion of asset management services. Focusing on the growth of investment portfolios, the Managing Director oversees the implementation of strategies that cater to institutional and individual clients. This role involves managing the performance of diverse asset classes and ensuring that investment activities align with the risk management standards of the firm. Matthew DiPuppo collaborates with internal teams to drive innovation in financial product offerings. By analyzing market trends, the Managing Director identifies opportunities to enhance the value of client investments. DiPuppo leads efforts to optimize operational performance within the investment management segment. Through the leadership of investment professionals, the Managing Director supports the commitment of the firm to providing sustainable financial growth. This position remains essential for maintaining the competitive market position of the company.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Principal Financial Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Principal Financial?
    Principal Financial is led by Deanna Strable-Soethout (Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Reetesh Gupta (Chief Financial Officer & Head of Phillipines Enterprise Finance, Actuarial & Financial Planning & Analysis Finance Transformation (Gcc, India)) and Dawn Roberts (Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi).
    Who is part of Principal Financial’s executive team?
    The executive team of Principal Financial includes leaders such as Deanna Strable-Soethout (Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer), Reetesh Gupta (Chief Financial Officer & Head of Phillipines Enterprise Finance, Actuarial & Financial Planning & Analysis Finance Transformation (Gcc, India)), Dawn Roberts (Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Principal Financial have?
    Principal Financial has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Principal Financial’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Principal Financial includes roles such as Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Head of Phillipines Enterprise Finance, Actuarial & Financial Planning & Analysis Finance Transformation (Gcc, India), Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi, Managing Director, Regional Managing Director.