Unum Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a legacy of financial security, Unum is dedicated to providing essential insurance products that support individuals and families during critical life events, fostering resilience and stability across its markets.

Leadership Roles at Unum

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Richard McKenney
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer - Larvizo Wright
  • Actuary Chief & Chief Financial Officer - Melissa Torres
  • Chief of Staff - Vanessa McNeil
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer - Gautam Roy
  • Director of Operational Effectiveness - Chief of Staff, Client Success - Emily Watson
  • Chief of Staff To the CIDO - Julia Kurdys
  • Director, Operational Effectiveness & Chief of Staff To CX Officer - Emily Kauchak
  • Global Information Security Chief of Staff - Robert Hofheimer
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Kathleen Owen
  • 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. Overseeing all business segments, including Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life, McKenney ensures alignment with the company's mission to provide financial protection. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives, optimizing profitability across diverse markets, and maintaining Unum's strong market position in group and individual disability insurance. By fostering a culture of innovation and customer focus, Richard McKenney guides the organization toward sustained success and enhanced shareholder value, ensuring the company's long-term viability and impact in the insurance sector.
    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, provides dedicated strategic and operational support to the CEO. Wright manages high-priority projects, facilitates executive decision-making, and ensures effective communication across the organization. This role is pivotal in driving the execution of Unum's strategic objectives and enhancing overall corporate performance. By coordinating key initiatives and streamlining executive workflows, Larvizo Wright plays a crucial part in advancing Unum's mission to deliver essential insurance solutions and maintain its leadership in the financial protection industry.

    Melissa Torres - Actuary Chief & Chief Financial Officer

    Melissa Torres, the Actuary Chief & Chief Financial Officer at Unum, directs the company's financial strategy and actuarial operations. Torres oversees financial planning, risk management, and capital allocation, ensuring the fiscal health and stability of Unum's insurance business. This critical role involves analyzing market trends, pricing insurance products accurately, and managing investment portfolios to support long-term growth. By providing expert financial insights and rigorous actuarial analysis, Melissa Torres safeguards Unum's financial integrity and drives profitable expansion across its domestic and international markets.

    Vanessa McNeil - Chief of Staff

    Vanessa McNeil, the Chief of Staff at Unum, provides strategic support and operational coordination across key executive initiatives. McNeil manages critical projects and facilitates communication between departments, ensuring seamless execution of the CEO's agenda. This role involves driving efficiency improvements and supporting the implementation of strategic priorities within the insurance operations. By streamlining workflows and enhancing cross-functional collaboration, Vanessa McNeil contributes directly to the effective functioning of the executive leadership team and the overall operational effectiveness of Unum's diverse business units.

    Gautam Roy - Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

    Gautam Roy, the Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer at Unum, architects the company's technology vision and digital transformation strategy. Roy oversees the development and implementation of innovative technological solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience across Unum's insurance products. This leadership position involves managing the IT infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and data analytics capabilities that underpin Unum's global operations. By driving technological advancements, Gautam Roy ensures Unum remains competitive and responsive to evolving market demands, supporting the company's mission to provide reliable financial protection through cutting-edge digital platforms.

    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, enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of client-facing operations. Watson focuses on optimizing service delivery and improving customer satisfaction across Unum's insurance portfolio. This role involves identifying process improvements, implementing best practices, and ensuring seamless client experiences. By driving operational excellence within client success functions, Emily Watson directly supports Unum's commitment to providing reliable support and fostering strong, lasting relationships with its policyholders and business partners.

    Julia Kurdys - Chief of Staff To the CIDO

    Julia Kurdys, the Chief of Staff To the CIDO at Unum, supports the Chief Information and Digital Officer in driving digital transformation and information strategy. Kurdys coordinates key initiatives, manages project portfolios, and ensures alignment between technology investments and business objectives. This role is essential for optimizing Unum's digital capabilities and enhancing its information security posture. By facilitating strategic planning and operational execution within the digital and information domains, Julia Kurdys contributes significantly to Unum's ability to innovate and deliver secure, efficient insurance services.

    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 through operational enhancements. Kauchak focuses on optimizing processes and implementing strategies that elevate client satisfaction and service delivery across Unum's insurance offerings. This position involves close collaboration with the Chief Experience Officer to ensure customer-centricity is embedded in all operational facets. By enhancing operational effectiveness, Emily Kauchak directly contributes to Unum's commitment to providing exceptional service and building enduring customer loyalty.

    Robert Hofheimer - Global Information Security Chief of Staff

    Robert Hofheimer, the Global Information Security Chief of Staff at Unum, supports the Chief Information Security Officer in safeguarding the company's digital assets and sensitive data. Hofheimer coordinates security initiatives, manages risk mitigation strategies, and ensures compliance with global data protection regulations. This role is critical for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of Unum's information systems. By enhancing the effectiveness of information security operations, Robert Hofheimer plays a vital part in protecting Unum's reputation and ensuring the trust of its customers and partners.

    Kathleen Owen - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Kathleen Owen, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Unum, leads the company's information technology strategy and infrastructure. Owen oversees the development and deployment of technology solutions that support Unum's business operations, enhance data security, and drive digital innovation. This leadership position involves managing IT operations, ensuring system reliability, and aligning technology investments with strategic business goals. By driving technological advancements and operational excellence, Kathleen Owen ensures Unum leverages cutting-edge IT to deliver superior insurance products and services.

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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 Melissa Torres (Actuary Chief & 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), Melissa Torres (Actuary Chief & 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, Actuary Chief & Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer.