Our Leaders

John Schlifske

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

John E. Schlifske is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Northwestern Mutual, and is a member of the Board of Trustees. Schlifske joined Northwestern Mutual as an investment specialist and later led a variety of the company's investment operations as well as different parts of its business operations.

Timothy J. Gerend

Executive Vice President

Chief Distribution Officer

Timothy J. Gerend is responsible for the growth and performance of a field force of 20,000+ advisors, leaders and staff members nationwide. He works with enterprise partners to maintain a healthy and strong field system delivering comprehensive plans that combine life insurance and investment solutions in support of clients' financial goals.

John M. Grogan

Executive Vice President

Chief Insurance Officer

John M. Grogan is responsible for the strategy and performance of the company's insurance businesses. This includes overall leadership of product development and innovation, product line performance, risk selection standards, and underwriting.

Raymond J. Manista

Executive Vice President

Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, and Secretary

Raymond J. Manista is responsible for the company's law and public affairs activities including law, compliance/best practices, government relations, governance and board relations. Ray also oversees the Northwestern Mutual Foundation and strategic philanthropy efforts.

Don J. Robertson

Executive Vice President

Chief Human Resources Officer

Don J. Robertson is responsible for the company's employee experience and he leads the Human Resources organization, as well as teams that manage the company's campuses, events and employee digital experience.