A series of leadership moves and appointments have been announced across the North American insurance market, spanning life carrier succession planning, benefits consulting talent and board-level change at a regional multi-line insurer.
Protective Life Corporation has announced that chief executive officer Rich Bielen (pictured, left) plans to retire at the end of 2026, with president and chief financial officer Paul Wells (pictured, centre) set to succeed him as president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2027.
The company also said that Scott Adams, executive vice president, chief transformation and strategy officer, and Mark Drew, executive vice president, chief legal officer, intend to retire at year-end 2026.
Bielen has been president and CEO since 2017, overseeing a period in which Protective’s assets grew from $75 billion to $142 billion and revenues from $4.5 billion to $8.0 billion, alongside six acquisitions. He also served as 2025 chair of the American Council of Life Insurers, reflecting his wider profile in the U.S. life sector.
Wells was appointed president and CFO in January 2026, having served as CFO from 2022 to 2025 and previously holding a series of senior finance roles since joining Protective in 2004.
Alliant Insurance Services has added John Montague (pictured, right) as vice president within its employee benefits group, further bolstering its people benefits capabilities in the Midwest.
Montague brings more than 30 years of experience spanning the provider, payer, and patient sides of the healthcare system, with a focus on technology‑enabled solutions that improve system performance and client outcomes.
“John brings a vital combination of innovation, vision, and deep industry relationships that will create tremendous value for our team and clients across the Midwest,” said Mike Malouf, executive vice president and managing director, Alliant Employee Benefits.
Pekin Life Insurance Company has announced the retirement of Brian Lee from its board of directors, marking the end of a more than four‑decade career with Pekin Insurance.
Lee joined Pekin Insurance in 1983 and has served on the Pekin Life board since 2017. He retired in March 2022 as president of the life company and senior vice president of the property/casualty company, and continued to contribute at board level, providing strategic guidance on growth, financial strength, and policyholder focus.
Pekin Life has elected Kevin M. Zoeller of Louisville, Kentucky, to succeed Lee on the board.
