The Standard Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Standard has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, human resources, sales, and equity management.

Focused on long-term financial security, The Standard delivers comprehensive insurance and retirement solutions to help individuals and employers navigate complex financial risks while building sustainable futures.

Leadership Roles at The Standard

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ronald Timpe
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer - Jason Amore
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Robert Erickson
  • President - Chris Barber
  • President, StanCorp Equities, Inc. - Jason Burlie
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Susan Bruechner
  • Sales Chief of Staff - Amy Powell
  • Ronald Timpe - Chief Executive Officer

    Ronald Timpe, the Chief Executive Officer at The Standard, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Overseeing the entire enterprise, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all insurance and retirement product lines to meet the evolving needs of workplace and individual customers. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to drive growth and maintain the financial stability of the firm. By prioritizing risk management and customer-centric innovation, Ronald Timpe shapes the competitive trajectory of the company within the insurance sector. Timpe maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every division contributes to the broader mission of providing financial security. Through rigorous oversight of market expansion and product development, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the organization while fostering a culture of integrity and professional excellence across all regional operations.

    Jason Amore - Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer

    Jason Amore, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer at The Standard, manages the strategic priorities and daily operational flow for the executive office. Coordinating between various departments, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer facilitates communication and ensures that corporate initiatives receive the necessary resources for successful execution. This role involves synthesizing complex data from insurance and retirement divisions to support high-level decision-making processes. Jason Amore optimizes the internal workflow, allowing the leadership team to focus on critical market challenges and long-term growth objectives. By streamlining administrative functions and project management, Amore enhances the efficiency of the executive suite. The Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer maintains a clear view of organizational goals, ensuring that every strategic move aligns with the core mission of providing robust financial protection and retirement planning services to a diverse client base.

    Robert Erickson - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Erickson, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at The Standard, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. Overseeing financial reporting, investment management, and risk assessment, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains a strong balance sheet to support insurance obligations and retirement product commitments. This leadership role involves directing the financial planning processes that underpin the company's ability to serve workplace and individual customers effectively. Robert Erickson monitors market trends and economic shifts to protect the firm's assets while identifying opportunities for sustainable growth. By maintaining rigorous financial controls and transparency, Erickson supports the long-term viability of the business. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other leaders to ensure that capital investments align with the strategic goals of the organization, ultimately securing the financial future of all stakeholders.

    Chris Barber - President

    Chris Barber, the President at The Standard, directs the operational execution and business development efforts across the company's core insurance and financial service lines. Overseeing the day-to-day management of key business units, the President ensures that the organization delivers consistent value to both workplace and individual customers. This leadership role involves driving the implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance the company's market position in disability, life, and accident insurance. Chris Barber monitors operational performance to ensure efficiency and quality in service delivery. By fostering collaboration across departments, Barber ensures that the company remains responsive to changing market demands and regulatory requirements. The President maintains a focus on scaling operations to support long-term growth, ensuring that the organization continues to provide reliable financial protection and retirement solutions to its diverse client base while maintaining high standards of operational excellence.

    Jason Burlie - President, StanCorp Equities, Inc.

    Jason Burlie, the President, StanCorp Equities, Inc. at The Standard, manages the investment and equity-related activities that support the company's broader financial services portfolio. Overseeing the strategic direction of the equities division, the President, StanCorp Equities, Inc. ensures that investment strategies align with the company's commitment to long-term financial stability and risk management. This role involves directing the management of assets and identifying investment opportunities that provide value to the organization and its clients. Jason Burlie monitors market conditions and economic indicators to optimize the performance of the equity portfolio. By maintaining a disciplined approach to investment, Burlie supports the overall financial health of the firm. The President, StanCorp Equities, Inc. collaborates with other executive leaders to ensure that equity strategies complement the insurance and retirement product offerings, ultimately contributing to the company's mission of helping individuals and employers prepare for the future.
    Jason Burlie

    Susan Bruechner - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Susan Bruechner, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at The Standard, directs the talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the human capital strategy, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce possesses the skills necessary to deliver high-quality insurance and financial services. This role involves designing programs that foster employee engagement and professional growth, which directly impacts the quality of service provided to customers. Susan Bruechner manages the internal policies that support a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that the company attracts top-tier talent in a competitive market. By aligning human resources practices with the broader business objectives, Bruechner drives organizational performance and operational efficiency. The Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer plays a vital role in maintaining the company's reputation as an employer of choice while supporting the overall mission of financial wellness.
    Susan Bruechner

    Amy Powell - Sales Chief of Staff

    Amy Powell, the Sales Chief of Staff at The Standard, coordinates the strategic operations and performance metrics for the national sales organization. Overseeing the alignment of sales initiatives with product availability, the Sales Chief of Staff ensures that teams effectively communicate the value of disability, life, and retirement products to workplace and individual clients. This role involves managing the operational infrastructure that supports sales growth and market penetration across various regions. Amy Powell analyzes performance data to identify opportunities for improvement and ensures that the sales force remains focused on high-impact activities. By facilitating communication between the sales leadership and other corporate functions, Powell optimizes the go-to-market strategy. The Sales Chief of Staff drives the execution of sales programs, ensuring that the organization meets its revenue targets while maintaining a strong commitment to customer service and financial risk management.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Standard Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Standard?
    The Standard is led by Ronald Timpe (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jason Amore (Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer) and Robert Erickson (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of The Standard’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Standard includes leaders such as Ronald Timpe (Chief Executive Officer), Jason Amore (Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer), Robert Erickson (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Standard have?
    The Standard has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Standard’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Standard includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, President, StanCorp Equities, Inc..