Mutual of Omaha Chairman and CEO Dan Neary will retire as CEO in 2015, but retain his role as chairman of the board.
James Blackledge has been appointed to the role of president and was named to succeed Neary as CEO upon his retirement. Blackledge most recently served as Mutual of Omaha's chief information/chief risk officer.
Neary was named chairman and CEO at the end of 2004. In a news release, the company said he led the company through its most successful decade in its 105-year history.
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Neary joined the company as an actuary. Under his leadership, Mutual of Omaha achieved record earnings and steady growth in policyholder surpluses and launched Mutual of Omaha Bank, one of the fastest-growing banks in the country, according to the company.
Blackledge, his successor, also joined the company as an actuary. He previously held a leadership role in the Group Benefit Services unit.
"James' experience in leading the company's information technology operation and in key strategic roles throughout his career make him uniquely qualified for this role," said Neary of his successor.
"He will play a significant leadership role as we explore new ways to reach more people with our products and services, and to serve those customers efficiently and effectively. I look forward to working with him in the months ahead to ensure a smooth transition," added Neary.
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Nick Thornton
Nick Thornton is a financial writer covering retirement and health care issues for BenefitsPRO and ALM Media. He greatly enjoys learning from the vast minds in the legal, academic, advisory and money management communities when covering the retirement space. He's also written on international marketing trends, financial institution risk management, defense and energy issues, the restaurant industry in New York City, surfing, cigars, rum, travel, and fishing. When not writing, he's pushing into some land or water.
