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.
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Souheil Badran
Executive Vice President
Chief Operating Officer
Souheil Badran has responsibility for insurance and investment operations as well as the Enterprise Operational Performance Center of Excellence.
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Michael G. Carter
Executive Vice President
Chief Financial and Risk Officer
Michael G. Carter oversees the company's financial management functions and enterprise risk management. His responsibilities encompass corporate controllers, financial management, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, actuarial, investment risk and risk management.
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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.
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Aditi Javeri Gokhale
Executive Vice President
Chief Commercial Officer and President, IPS
Aditi Javeri Gokhale oversees the growth and performance of the company's investment products and services business which holds nearly $150 billion of client retail assets, in addition to corporate strategy, marketing, and communications focused on differentiating the Northwestern Mutual brand and its products in the marketplace.
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John M. Grogan
Executive Vice President
Chief Product and Innovation Officer
John M. Grogan is responsible for the strategy and innovation of the company's insurance products and risk standards, as well as broader innovation investments into adjacent and disruptive markets through Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures funds.
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Ronald P. Joelson
Executive Vice President
Chief Investment Officer
Ronald P. Joelson oversees management of the company's $235+ billion general account investment portfolio, which is made up of public and private bonds and equities, preferred stock, commercial mortgage loans and real estate equities. The general account portfolio supports the company's surplus and its insurance and annuity products.
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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.
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Christian W. Mitchell
Executive Vice President
Chief Customer Officer
Christian W. Mitchell is responsible for leading Northwestern Mutual's client experience. Christian's accountabilities include shaping and guiding the company's planning philosophy and experience, the digital products that support our customers and field force, and the customer analytics that inform our strategies for improving their experience.
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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.
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Neal J. Sample
Executive Vice President
Chief Information Officer
Neal J. Sample is responsible for the company's information technology strategy and performance, ensuring systems and technology align to current and forward-looking corporate business strategies.
Download pdf of bioBoard of Trustees
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John N. Balboni
Retired Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
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International Paper Co. -
Nicholas E.
BrathwaiteCo-Founder and Partner
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Riverwood Capital -
P. RUSSELL HARDIN
President
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Robert W. Woodruff Foundation
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Dale E. Jones
President and
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Chief Executive Officer
Diversified Search LLC -
Randolph W. Melville
Retired Senior Vice President
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Frito-Lay, North America -
JAIME MONTEMAYOR
Chief Digital and Technology Officer,
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General Mills
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Timothy H. Murphy
General Counsel
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Mastercard -
Andrew N. Nunemaker
Senior Vice President of Product Development for Benefit Solutions
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Applied Solutions -
Anne M. Paradis
Retired Chief Executive Officer
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MicroTek, Inc.
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John E. Schlifske
Chairman, President and CEO
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The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. -
Aarti S. Shah
Senior Vice President - Chief Information and Digital Officer,
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Eli Lilly and Company -
MARY ELLEN STANEK
Managing Director and Director of Asset Management
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Robert W. Baird & Co.
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S. SCOTT VOYNICH
Retired Chairman,
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Robinson, Grimes & Company, P.C. -
RALPH A. WEBER
Founding Member
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Gass, Weber, Mullins, LLC -
BENJAMIN F. WILSON
Chairman
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Beveridge & Diamond, PC
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Juan C. Zarate
Chairman and Co-founder
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Financial Integrity Network