Our Leaders

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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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Joann M. Eisenhart

Executive Vice President
Chief People Officer

Joann M. (Jo) Eisenhart has been a senior leader at Northwestern Mutual since 2011. During her tenure, she has been responsible for key areas including human resources, facilities, digital workplace, and the company’s strategic philanthropic efforts.

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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.