Protective Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Protective has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, technology, human resources, finance, risk management, and product development.

Driven by a people-first philosophy, Protective is dedicated to helping individuals and families safeguard their financial futures through integrity, reliability, and a commitment to honoring its promises.

Leadership Roles at Protective

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Richard Bielen
  • President & Chief Financial Officer - Paul Wells
  • Division President, Protection & Retirement - Aaron Seurkamp
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Doyle Williams
  • Chief Information Officer - Matthew Kohler
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Wendy Evesque
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Dominique Lebel
  • Richard Bielen - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Richard Bielen, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Protective, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Overseeing all major business units and corporate functions, Bielen ensures alignment with the company's mission to safeguard financial futures. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives, fostering innovation in product development, and maintaining the financial stability essential for long-term customer trust. By championing a people-first philosophy, Richard Bielen cultivates an environment of integrity and reliability across the organization. His focus extends to strengthening Protective's market position and ensuring the company consistently honors its promises to customers, partners, employees, and communities. The Chief Executive Officer's guidance is critical in navigating market dynamics and advancing the company's commitment to personalized service and dependable protection across key regions in the United States.
    Richard Bielen

    Paul Wells - President & Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Wells, the President & Chief Financial Officer at Protective, directs the company's financial strategy, planning, and reporting. Overseeing all fiscal operations, Wells ensures robust financial health, capital management, and investment strategies that support Protective's long-term growth and stability. This position involves managing financial risk, optimizing capital allocation, and providing critical insights to guide strategic decision-making across the organization. By maintaining rigorous financial discipline, Paul Wells reinforces Protective's commitment to reliability and honoring its promises to stakeholders. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership is fundamental to the company's ability to deliver dependable protection and wealth preservation solutions. Wells's financial acumen is instrumental in sustaining the company's strong market presence and its capacity to innovate in the insurance and annuity sectors across the United States.
    Paul Wells

    Aaron Seurkamp - Division President, Protection & Retirement

    Aaron Seurkamp, the Division President, Protection & Retirement at Protective, leads the strategic direction and operational performance of the company's core protection and retirement product lines. Overseeing product development, sales, and service within these critical divisions, Seurkamp ensures that Protective delivers effective life insurance, annuity, and asset protection solutions tailored to customer needs. This leadership role involves driving market penetration, enhancing product competitiveness, and fostering strong relationships with distribution partners. By focusing on customer-centric innovation, Aaron Seurkamp supports Protective's commitment to helping individuals and families secure their financial futures. Seurkamp's oversight is vital in maintaining the company's reputation for reliability and honoring its promises. The Division President's efforts are key to Protective's long-term strategic focus and its market impact across the United States.

    Doyle Williams - Chief Marketing Officer

    Doyle Williams, the Chief Marketing Officer at Protective, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies designed to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. Overseeing all aspects of marketing, advertising, and communications, Williams ensures that Protective's value proposition resonates with target audiences seeking life insurance, annuity, and asset protection solutions. This role involves analyzing market trends, identifying new opportunities for customer acquisition, and developing campaigns that highlight the company's commitment to integrity and reliability. By driving innovative outreach, Doyle Williams supports the company's objective of helping individuals and families secure their financial futures. The Chief Marketing Officer's efforts are crucial in communicating Protective's dedication to honoring promises and delivering personalized service. Williams's leadership ensures the brand effectively communicates its long-term strategic focus and financial stability to a broad customer base across the United States.
    Doyle Williams

    Matthew Kohler - Chief Information Officer

    Matthew Kohler, the Chief Information Officer at Protective, spearheads the company's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Overseeing all information technology operations, Kohler ensures the secure and efficient delivery of technology solutions that support Protective's diverse product offerings, including life insurance, annuities, and asset protection. This position involves managing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. By driving technological innovation, Matthew Kohler enables Protective to deliver personalized service and address evolving protection needs effectively. The Chief Information Officer's expertise is vital in maintaining the company's financial stability and operational resilience. Kohler's leadership ensures that technology investments align with the company's long-term strategic focus and its commitment to honoring promises to customers and partners across the United States.
    Matthew Kohler

    Wendy Evesque - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Wendy Evesque, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Protective, leads all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and learning and development, Evesque cultivates a high-performance culture grounded in Protective's people-first philosophy. This role is critical in attracting, retaining, and engaging a dynamic workforce dedicated to upholding the company's values of integrity and reliability. By fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, Wendy Evesque ensures that employees are empowered to deliver exceptional service and honor the company's promises. The Chief Human Resources Officer's strategic direction is essential for aligning human resources with the company's long-term objectives and its mission to safeguard financial futures. Evesque's leadership strengthens Protective's operational capabilities across the United States.
    Wendy Evesque

    Dominique Lebel - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Dominique Lebel, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at Protective, holds dual responsibility for managing enterprise-wide risk and driving revenue generation strategies. Overseeing risk assessment, mitigation, and compliance frameworks, Lebel ensures the company operates within acceptable risk parameters while pursuing growth opportunities. This role involves identifying potential threats to financial stability and operational integrity, and simultaneously developing and executing plans to maximize revenue streams from Protective's diverse product portfolio. By integrating risk management with revenue objectives, Dominique Lebel supports the company's mission to provide secure financial solutions. Lebel's leadership ensures that Protective maintains its commitment to integrity and reliability, safeguarding customer assets and honoring its promises across all market activities in the United States.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Protective Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Protective?
    Protective is led by Richard Bielen (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Paul Wells (President & Chief Financial Officer) and Aaron Seurkamp (Division President, Protection & Retirement).
    Who is part of Protective’s executive team?
    The executive team of Protective includes leaders such as Richard Bielen (President & Chief Executive Officer), Paul Wells (President & Chief Financial Officer), Aaron Seurkamp (Division President, Protection & Retirement) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Protective have?
    Protective has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Protective’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Protective includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Financial Officer, Division President, Protection & Retirement, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Information Officer.