Northwestern Mutual announces executive appointments

Northwestern Mutual has announced the promotions and appointments of several leaders to help advance its strategy and transformation agenda.

“We are committed to leading our industry by transforming the way clients experience financial security, and these leaders are critical in driving our strategy,” said John Schlifske, chairman and chief executive officer. “This move brings together both deep experience in delivering on our business fundamentals and accelerating innovation and growth.”

The firm has made the following promotions and appointments:

• Tim Gerend, senior vice president, now heads up the following departments: distribution performance and development, field strategy and integration, planning and sales, and field rewards. Gerend will take the reins from Greg Oberland, executive vice president and company president, who is retiring this summer after 36 years with Northwestern Mutual.
• Aditi Gokhale has been promoted to senior vice president. Gokhale also serves as chief marketing officer.
• Christian Mitchell has been promoted to senior vice president of investment products and services, in addition to serving as CEO of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company.
• Beth Rodenhuis, senior vice president, has also been appointed as chief transformation officer.
• Emilia Sherifova has been promoted to senior vice president and chief technology officer. She is the first woman to hold the position at Northwestern Mutual.
• Alexa von Tobel has been promoted to senior vice president and chief innovation officer, in addition to serving as CEO of LearnVest.

The changes in roles and responsibilities will begin taking effect July 01 and continue through August, Northwestern Mutual said.