Unum Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Unum has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, and operations.

Driven by a legacy of financial security, Unum is dedicated to providing essential insurance solutions that support individuals and businesses through life's uncertainties, fostering resilience and stability across its global operations.

Leadership Roles at Unum

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Richard McKenney
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer - Larvizo Wright
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Jack McGarry
  • Chief of Staff - Vanessa McNeil
  • Director of Operational Effectiveness - Chief of Staff, Client Success - Emily Watson
  • Global Information Security Chief of Staff - Robert Hofheimer
  • Chief of Staff To the CIDO - Julia Kurdys
  • Director, Operational Effectiveness & Chief of Staff To CX Officer - Emily Kauchak
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Kathleen Owen
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer - Gautam Roy
  • Richard McKenney - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Richard McKenney, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Unum, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution for the global insurance provider. McKenney guides the company's expansion and market positioning, ensuring alignment with Unum's mission to offer comprehensive group and individual disability insurance products. This leadership role involves setting financial targets, fostering innovation in product development, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders across the United States and the United Kingdom. Overseeing all major business segments, including Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life, Richard McKenney drives the company's commitment to financial strength and customer support. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on sustainable growth and enhancing the value delivered to policyholders and shareholders, solidifying Unum's position as a leader in the insurance industry.
    Richard McKenney

    Larvizo Wright - Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer

    Larvizo Wright, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer at Unum, acts as a key strategic partner, facilitating the execution of the CEO's vision and priorities. Wright manages critical projects, optimizes executive communication, and ensures seamless coordination across all levels of the organization. This role involves driving high-impact initiatives, preparing executive briefings, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the leadership team. Overseeing special assignments and cross-functional collaborations, Larvizo Wright supports strategic decision-making and operational alignment. The Chief of Staff's focus is on advancing Unum's mission and ensuring that the CEO's strategic objectives are met efficiently and effectively across the company's operations.

    Jack McGarry - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Jack McGarry, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Unum, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the company. McGarry oversees financial reporting, capital management, investor relations, and risk assessment, ensuring the fiscal health and stability of Unum's diverse business segments. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that support long-term growth and profitability, particularly within the group and individual disability insurance markets. Overseeing the treasury, accounting, and financial planning departments, Jack McGarry ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and drives operational efficiency. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership is essential for maintaining investor confidence and guiding Unum's financial performance across its domestic and international operations.

    Vanessa McNeil - Chief of Staff

    Vanessa McNeil, the Chief of Staff at Unum, provides critical strategic support and operational coordination across executive functions. McNeil facilitates the execution of key initiatives, ensuring seamless communication and alignment between the CEO's office and various departments. This role involves managing high-priority projects, optimizing internal processes, and enhancing executive team effectiveness. Overseeing special assignments and cross-functional task forces, Vanessa McNeil drives efficiency and supports the strategic objectives of the organization. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities extend to preparing executive briefings, analyzing operational data, and implementing best practices to support Unum's mission of providing essential insurance solutions.

    Emily Watson - Director of Operational Effectiveness - Chief of Staff, Client Success

    Emily Watson, the Director of Operational Effectiveness - Chief of Staff, Client Success at Unum, spearheads initiatives to enhance client satisfaction and streamline operational processes within the client success division. Watson focuses on optimizing service delivery, implementing efficiency improvements, and ensuring that client support functions align with Unum's core business objectives. This role involves analyzing client feedback, identifying areas for service enhancement, and driving the adoption of best practices across client-facing teams. Overseeing projects that improve the client experience, Emily Watson contributes directly to customer retention and loyalty. The Director of Operational Effectiveness ensures that Unum's client success operations are both effective and scalable, supporting the company's commitment to providing reliable insurance products.

    Robert Hofheimer - Global Information Security Chief of Staff

    Robert Hofheimer, the Global Information Security Chief of Staff at Unum, directs strategic initiatives and operational coordination within the information security domain. Hofheimer ensures that Unum's global information assets are protected through robust security frameworks and proactive threat mitigation strategies. This role involves aligning security operations with business objectives, managing security projects, and enhancing the overall security posture across the enterprise. Overseeing the implementation of advanced security technologies and protocols, Robert Hofheimer safeguards sensitive client and company data. The Chief of Staff's focus is on maintaining compliance, managing security risks, and supporting the secure delivery of Unum's insurance products and services worldwide.

    Julia Kurdys - Chief of Staff To the CIDO

    Julia Kurdys, the Chief of Staff To the CIDO at Unum, provides essential support and strategic alignment for the Chief Information and Digital Officer's agenda. Kurdys facilitates the execution of digital transformation initiatives and ensures operational coherence across information technology and digital platforms. This role involves managing key projects, optimizing internal communication flows, and driving the implementation of strategic technology roadmaps. Overseeing critical programs that enhance Unum's digital capabilities, Julia Kurdys supports the company's evolution in the insurance sector. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include coordinating efforts to leverage technology for improved customer experience and operational efficiency, reinforcing Unum's commitment to innovation.

    Emily Kauchak - Director, Operational Effectiveness & Chief of Staff To CX Officer

    Emily Kauchak, the Director, Operational Effectiveness & Chief of Staff To CX Officer at Unum, drives improvements in customer experience (CX) operations and provides strategic support to the Chief Experience Officer. Kauchak focuses on enhancing service delivery, optimizing customer journeys, and ensuring operational efficiency across all customer-facing functions. This role involves analyzing CX metrics, identifying opportunities for process enhancement, and implementing strategies that elevate customer satisfaction and loyalty. Overseeing initiatives that refine Unum's customer interaction points, Emily Kauchak contributes to building stronger client relationships. The Director of Operational Effectiveness ensures that Unum's customer experience strategies are effectively executed and continuously improved.

    Kathleen Owen - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Kathleen Owen, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Unum, directs the company's information technology strategy and infrastructure. Owen oversees the development and implementation of technology solutions that support Unum's business objectives, including enhancing operational efficiency and customer service. This role involves managing IT operations, cybersecurity initiatives, and digital transformation projects across the United States and the United Kingdom. Overseeing a global IT team, Kathleen Owen ensures the reliability, security, and scalability of Unum's technology systems. The Chief Information Officer's leadership is crucial for driving innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in the insurance industry through advanced technological capabilities.

    Gautam Roy - Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

    Gautam Roy, the Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer at Unum, leads the company's technological innovation and development efforts. Roy is responsible for architecting and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions that drive business growth and enhance operational capabilities. This role involves overseeing software development, data analytics, and emerging technology integration to support Unum's insurance products and services. Directing the technology roadmap, Gautam Roy ensures that Unum remains at the forefront of technological advancement in the financial services sector. The Chief Technology Officer's expertise is vital for developing scalable, secure, and efficient systems that meet the evolving needs of clients and the market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Unum Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Unum?
    Unum is led by Richard McKenney (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Larvizo Wright (Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer) and Jack McGarry (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Unum’s executive team?
    The executive team of Unum includes leaders such as Richard McKenney (President & Chief Executive Officer), Larvizo Wright (Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer), Jack McGarry (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Unum have?
    Unum has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Unum’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Unum includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Director of Operational Effectiveness - Chief of Staff, Client Success.