Principal Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to financial security, Principal delivers comprehensive retirement solutions, asset management, and insurance products, empowering businesses and individuals worldwide to achieve their long-term financial goals.

Leadership Roles at Principal

  • Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer - Deanna Strable-Soethout
  • Chief Financial Officer, Benefits & Protection - Brian Kiel
  • Chief Financial Officer, Individual Life - Rick Von Fumetti
  • Head Chief Financial Officer, Phillipines Enterprise Finance, Actuarial & Financial Planning & Analysis Finance Transformation (Gcc, India) - Reetesh Gupta
  • Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi - Dawn Roberts
  • Chief Operating Officer - Brenda Choo
  • Chief Operating Officer & Securities Principal - Julie Leclere
  • Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer - Kenneth Dubas
  • Senior VP & Chief Human Resources Officer - Lisa Coulson
  • Chief Information Officer, Principal Asset Management - David Tabora
  • 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. Overseeing the executive team, Strable-Soethout ensures alignment with market demands and long-term financial security objectives for clients worldwide. The Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer drives innovation and growth across all facets of the business, solidifying Principal's market position. Deanna Strable-Soethout champions a culture of integrity and client focus, essential for sustained success in the financial services industry.
    Deanna Strable-Soethout

    Brian Kiel - Chief Financial Officer, Benefits & Protection

    Brian Kiel, the Chief Financial Officer, Benefits & Protection at Principal, manages the financial operations and strategic planning for the company's benefits and protection offerings. Kiel oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting specifically for these critical business lines, ensuring profitability and fiscal responsibility. This role involves analyzing market trends and financial performance to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency within the insurance and benefits segments. The Chief Financial Officer, Benefits & Protection collaborates with executive leadership to develop financial strategies that support the long-term security and risk management needs of clients. Brian Kiel ensures robust financial controls and compliance, safeguarding the company's assets and stakeholder interests. By focusing on financial stewardship, Kiel contributes to Principal's sustained success in providing essential financial products.

    Rick Von Fumetti - Chief Financial Officer, Individual Life

    Rick Von Fumetti, the Chief Financial Officer, Individual Life at Principal, oversees the financial health and strategic direction of the company's individual life insurance business. Von Fumetti manages financial planning, analysis, and reporting for this segment, ensuring profitability and sustainable growth. This position involves evaluating market dynamics and financial performance to optimize revenue streams and manage risk effectively within the life insurance sector. The Chief Financial Officer, Individual Life collaborates with executive leadership to align financial strategies with the company's broader objectives for client financial security. Rick Von Fumetti ensures sound financial management and compliance with regulatory requirements, reinforcing Principal's commitment to policyholders. By focusing on financial acumen, Von Fumetti strengthens the individual life insurance offerings.

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

    Reetesh Gupta, the Head Chief Financial Officer, Phillipines Enterprise Finance, Actuarial & Financial Planning & Analysis Finance Transformation (Gcc, India) at Principal, leads comprehensive financial operations and strategic initiatives across multiple international regions. Gupta directs financial planning, actuarial functions, and finance transformation efforts, ensuring fiscal discipline and strategic alignment in the Philippines, GCC, and India. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance, managing risk, and driving efficiency within diverse global markets. The Head Chief Financial Officer, Phillipines Enterprise Finance, Actuarial & Financial Planning & Analysis Finance Transformation (Gcc, India) collaborates with regional and global leadership to implement robust financial strategies and support business expansion. Reetesh Gupta ensures adherence to local and international financial regulations, contributing to Principal's global operational integrity. By focusing on international finance transformation, Gupta enhances Principal's capabilities in emerging markets.

    Dawn Roberts - Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi

    Dawn Roberts, the Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi at Principal, directs the financial strategy and operations for the company's Pfn and Psi business units. Roberts is responsible for financial planning, analysis, and reporting, ensuring fiscal health and driving profitability within these specific segments. This role involves closely monitoring financial performance, identifying key drivers of success, and implementing strategies to enhance shareholder value. The Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi collaborates with executive leadership to align financial objectives with the overall corporate strategy, supporting the delivery of specialized financial products. Dawn Roberts ensures rigorous financial controls and compliance, maintaining the integrity of financial operations. By focusing on the financial performance of Pfn & Psi, Roberts contributes to Principal's diversified business model and market strength.

    Brenda Choo - Chief Operating Officer

    Brenda Choo, the Chief Operating Officer at Principal, oversees the day-to-day operational functions critical to delivering the company's diverse financial services. Choo manages the efficiency and effectiveness of operations across retirement and income solutions, global investment management, international financial services, and U.S. insurance offerings. This role involves optimizing business processes and ensuring seamless service delivery to businesses, individuals, and institutional clients. The Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence, focusing on enhancing client experiences and supporting the company's strategic growth initiatives. Brenda Choo collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate technological advancements and streamline workflows, ensuring Principal maintains its competitive edge. By focusing on operational integrity, Choo supports the company's commitment to long-term financial security and risk management for clients globally.
    Brenda Choo

    Julie Leclere - Chief Operating Officer & Securities Principal

    Julie Leclere, the Chief Operating Officer & Securities Principal at Principal, directs operational strategies and ensures compliance with securities regulations across relevant business units. Leclere manages the operational frameworks that support the delivery of financial products and services, focusing on efficiency and client satisfaction. This dual role involves overseeing operational execution while also ensuring adherence to stringent securities laws and industry standards. The Chief Operating Officer & Securities Principal collaborates with legal, compliance, and business leaders to maintain the integrity of operations and protect client interests. Julie Leclere drives process improvements and operational excellence, contributing to Principal's reputation for reliability and trust. By managing both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, Leclere supports the company's mission to provide secure financial solutions.
    Julie Leclere

    Kenneth Dubas - Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer

    Kenneth Dubas, the Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at Principal, oversees critical operational functions and strategic management across designated areas of the company. Dubas drives operational efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that business processes align with Principal's mission of delivering comprehensive financial solutions. This leadership role involves managing complex projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery and client satisfaction. The Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer collaborates with executive peers to implement strategic plans and optimize resource allocation. Kenneth Dubas focuses on operational excellence and continuous improvement, contributing to Principal's sustained growth and market leadership. By managing key operational aspects, Dubas supports the company's commitment to long-term financial security for its clients.

    Lisa Coulson - Senior VP & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lisa Coulson, the Senior VP & Chief Human Resources Officer at Principal, directs all human capital strategies and initiatives to support the company's global workforce. Coulson is responsible for talent acquisition, development, compensation, and fostering a positive and productive organizational culture across all business segments. This leadership position ensures that Principal attracts, retains, and engages the talent necessary to achieve its mission of delivering comprehensive financial solutions. The Senior VP & Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates closely with executive leadership to align HR strategies with business objectives, driving employee engagement and organizational effectiveness. Lisa Coulson champions initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, reinforcing Principal's commitment to its employees and clients worldwide. By focusing on human resources, Coulson underpins the company's ability to innovate and serve clients effectively.
    Lisa Coulson

    David Tabora - Chief Information Officer, Principal Asset Management

    David Tabora, the Chief Information Officer, Principal Asset Management at Principal, leads the technology strategy and execution for the asset management division. Tabora is responsible for developing and implementing innovative technology solutions that enhance investment management capabilities across multiple asset classes. This role involves overseeing the IT infrastructure, data analytics, and digital transformation initiatives critical to serving institutional clients and supporting global investment strategies. The Chief Information Officer, Principal Asset Management ensures the security, reliability, and scalability of technology systems, enabling efficient operations and superior client service. David Tabora collaborates with investment teams and executive leadership to leverage technology for competitive advantage and to drive growth in asset management. By focusing on technological advancement, Tabora strengthens Principal's position in the global investment landscape.
    David Tabora

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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 Brian Kiel (Chief Financial Officer, Benefits & Protection) and Rick Von Fumetti (Chief Financial Officer, Individual Life).
    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), Brian Kiel (Chief Financial Officer, Benefits & Protection), Rick Von Fumetti (Chief Financial Officer, Individual Life) 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 Financial Officer, Benefits & Protection, Chief Financial Officer, Individual Life, Head Chief Financial Officer, Phillipines Enterprise Finance, Actuarial & Financial Planning & Analysis Finance Transformation (Gcc, India), Chief Financial Officer, Pfn & Psi.