West Des Moines, Iowa, United States, December 2024 – Sammons Financial Group® has announced the appointment of Casey Decker to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Additionally, Katie Bartling has been promoted to Chief People Officer (CPO), reporting to Decker. These leadership appointments reflect the company’s strategic organizational assessment aimed at supporting its growth plans.
“Sammons Financial Group recently conducted a strategic organizational assessment and identified the need for a new structure to support our growth plans. As a result, we have created a new Senior Staff position of Chief Operating Officer (COO),” said Esfand Dinshaw, Chief Executive Officer of Sammons Financial Group. “This role is designed to streamline our operations and enhance our focus to leverage technology, service, and talent to drive scalable growth.”
The new COO role will oversee agency services, new business, underwriting, policy administration, claims, information technology, and human resources. The Operations team is Sammons Financial Group’s largest division, encompassing over 1,300 staff members who serve more than 1.7 million active life insurance policies and annuity contracts. This organizational change demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to deliver premier financial services and solutions.
Decker joined the company in 2022 and played a lead role in launching Sammons Financial Group’s new Wealth Management business. He has a diverse and extensive background, having led operations, marketing, technology, and sales teams at several major companies. He has successfully managed profit-and-loss centers and has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Decker holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Iowa and a Master of Management Information Systems from DePaul University. Additionally, he is a graduate of the executive management program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
“We have a unique opportunity to evolve and position our employee owners for continued success,” remarked Dinshaw. “Throughout this transition, we will anchor to our entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to empowering the futures of our employees and business partners.”
Since joining the company in 2007, Katie Bartling most recently led Marketing and Customer Experience with Sammons Financial Group’s life insurance business. As Chief People Officer, she will lead the Human Resources team to foster a high-performance culture, enhance the employee experience, and ensure people strategies align with business objectives. This senior leadership role will help Sammons Financial Group strengthen its culture, develop talent, and work to achieve its long-term growth goals.
“Katie’s extensive knowledge of our organization and the financial services industry, along with her proven ability to develop effective business strategies and build strong partnerships, makes her ideal for this role,” Decker stated. “By combining her business expertise with the exceptional talent in our Human Resources department, we will create a powerful synergy to enable us to successfully execute our people and growth strategies.”
With over 2,000 employees, Sammons Financial Group is Midwest-based, with offices in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Dakota.
“These two leaders bring a fresh, diverse view to the company, coupled with an expansive leadership background and experience leading large, growing companies,” Dinshaw said. “I have tremendous confidence in their ability to lead us forward.”
About Sammons Financial Group Companies
Sammons® Financial Group Companies provide sought-after life insurance, annuity, and retirement products. A privately held company owned by an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Sammons Financial Group fosters a values-based culture deeply rooted in respect, openness, integrity, and accountability. With a Midwest presence and offices across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Dakota, the company employs over 2,000 team members, delivering financial solutions with excellence and community commitment.
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