Unum Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Unum has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and corporate services.

Driven by a legacy of financial security, Unum is dedicated to providing essential insurance products that support individuals and businesses through life's uncertainties, 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
  • Absence Operations Chief of Staff - Taylor Jones
  • Corporate Strategy Chief of Staff - Vanessa McNeil
  • Global Information Security Chief of Staff - Robert Hofheimer
  • Director, Operational Effectiveness and Chief of Staff To CX Officer - Emily Kauchak
  • Director of Operational Effectiveness - Chief of Staff, Client Success - Emily Watson
  • Corporate Services - Debbie Deering
  • Richard McKenney - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Richard McKenney, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Unum, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the company's insurance and services portfolio. This leadership encompasses guiding the Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life segments, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to provide financial protection. McKenney drives the vision for innovation in product development and service delivery, critical for maintaining Unum's market position in group and individual disability insurance. The Chief Executive Officer's focus extends to fostering a culture of integrity and customer-centricity across all business units. By overseeing financial performance and long-term growth initiatives, Richard McKenney ensures the company's sustained impact and stability in the insurance sector, building upon its founding principles to meet evolving customer needs.
    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 critical support to Richard McKenney in executing the company's strategic objectives. This position involves managing high-priority projects, facilitating executive decision-making, and ensuring effective communication across all levels of the organization. Wright's role is central to translating the CEO's vision into actionable plans, overseeing the coordination of cross-functional initiatives that drive growth and operational excellence. The Chief of Staff's duties include preparing executive briefings, analyzing market trends, and identifying opportunities for strategic advancement within the insurance sector. By streamlining executive operations and fostering strategic alignment, Larvizo Wright directly supports the leadership's efforts to maintain Unum's competitive edge and commitment to its mission.

    Taylor Jones - Absence Operations Chief of Staff

    Taylor Jones, the Absence Operations Chief of Staff at Unum, supports the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the company's absence management services. This role involves coordinating key initiatives within the operations division, ensuring seamless delivery of disability insurance products and services. Jones facilitates communication and collaboration between operational teams and executive leadership, driving process improvements and enhancing service quality. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include analyzing operational data to identify areas for optimization and implementing solutions that support Unum's commitment to customer support. By managing critical projects and ensuring effective resource allocation, Taylor Jones contributes directly to the smooth functioning of Unum's core business operations and its ability to serve clients effectively.

    Vanessa McNeil - Corporate Strategy Chief of Staff

    Vanessa McNeil, the Corporate Strategy Chief of Staff at Unum, spearheads initiatives that define and advance the company's long-term strategic roadmap. This role is pivotal in analyzing market dynamics, identifying growth opportunities, and developing strategic plans for Unum's insurance and financial services offerings. McNeil collaborates closely with executive leadership to ensure strategic coherence across all business units, including Unum US and Unum UK. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities encompass market research, competitive analysis, and the development of frameworks for evaluating new business ventures. By driving strategic planning processes and facilitating the execution of key corporate initiatives, Vanessa McNeil ensures Unum remains agile and responsive to evolving industry landscapes and customer needs.

    Robert Hofheimer - Global Information Security Chief of Staff

    Robert Hofheimer, the Global Information Security Chief of Staff at Unum, directs the strategic implementation and oversight of the company's information security posture. This critical role ensures the protection of sensitive customer data and corporate assets across Unum's global operations. Hofheimer's responsibilities include developing and executing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, managing risk assessment processes, and ensuring compliance with relevant data protection regulations. The Chief of Staff works closely with IT leadership and business units to embed security best practices throughout the organization. By leading efforts to safeguard information systems and mitigate cyber threats, Robert Hofheimer plays a vital part in maintaining customer trust and operational integrity for Unum.

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

    Emily Kauchak, the Director, Operational Effectiveness and Chief of Staff To CX Officer at Unum, drives improvements in customer experience through enhanced operational processes. This dual role focuses on optimizing service delivery and ensuring that customer success initiatives are effectively implemented across the organization. Kauchak collaborates with the Chief Experience Officer to translate customer feedback into actionable operational changes, aiming to elevate service standards. The Director's responsibilities include analyzing operational workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. By focusing on operational effectiveness, Emily Kauchak directly contributes to Unum's commitment to providing exceptional service and support to its clients.

    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 client relationships by optimizing operational strategies and service delivery. This position focuses on ensuring that Unum's client success initiatives are supported by efficient and effective operational frameworks. Watson works to streamline processes, improve communication channels, and drive performance improvements within client-facing operations. The Chief of Staff's role involves close collaboration with the Client Success team to address client needs and proactively identify opportunities for service enhancement. By championing operational excellence, Emily Watson directly contributes to strengthening client partnerships and ensuring sustained satisfaction with Unum's insurance products and services.

    Debbie Deering - Corporate Services

    Debbie Deering, the Corporate Services leader at Unum, oversees essential functions that support the company's operational infrastructure and administrative activities. This role encompasses managing key resources and services that enable Unum's employees and business units to operate efficiently. Deering's responsibilities include ensuring the effective management of facilities, procurement, and other critical support functions that underpin the company's daily operations. The Corporate Services leader plays a crucial part in maintaining a productive work environment and ensuring that the necessary resources are available to support Unum's strategic goals. By directing these vital support services, Debbie Deering contributes to the overall stability and effectiveness of Unum's business operations.

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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 Taylor Jones (Absence Operations Chief of Staff).
    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), Taylor Jones (Absence Operations Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Unum have?
    Unum has 8 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, Absence Operations Chief of Staff, Corporate Strategy Chief of Staff, Global Information Security Chief of Staff.