Our Leaders

John E. Schlifske

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

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

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

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 J. Gokhale

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

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.

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Ronald P. Joelson

Ronald P. Joelson

Executive Vice President
Chairman, Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company (NMIMC)

Ronald P. Joelson shares his extensive investment experience, expertise and insights through a range of engagements with Northwestern Mutual's more than 9,000 sales professionals and their clients.

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Raymond J. Manista

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

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

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

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.

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