Guardian Announces Leadership Changes to Support Growth Strategy
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) has announced significant organizational and leadership changes to support its long-term growth strategy. The company is restructuring its Individual Markets business into two distinct units: Financial Protection & Retirement Solutions and Client Solutions & Wealth Management.
Erin Culek, formerly Chief Strategy & Operating Officer, has been appointed to lead Financial Protection & Retirement Solutions. Culek joined Guardian in 2020 and has been instrumental in executing strategic partnerships and advancing the company’s transition to a consumer-centric, data-driven organization. In her new role, she will oversee product strategy and innovation for Guardian’s financial protection and retirement solutions, including life, disability, and annuity products.
Mike Perry will join Guardian to lead Client Solutions & Wealth Management, bringing over 30 years of expertise in wealth, investment, and insurance product distribution. Perry previously served as Executive Vice President and Head of the Global Client and Product Group at Nuveen and will start his new role on August 4.
Other leadership changes include the appointment of Michael Prestileo to lead Enterprise Strategy & Growth Initiatives and the expansion of Chief Human Resources Officer Stacey Hoin’s responsibilities to include Corporate Impact and Workplace and Real Estate Strategy.
“Both Erin and Mike bring extraordinary experience to our growth strategy,” said Guardian Chairman and CEO Andrew McMahon. “I’m confident they are the right leaders to enhance our ability to meet our clients’ holistic planning and protection needs.”
Michael Ferik, Head of Individual Markets, will leave Guardian on August 31 after playing a critical role in building the Individual Markets business. “Michael has been pivotal to Guardian’s success over the past 16 years,” McMahon stated.
These changes mark a significant step in Guardian’s evolution as a modern mutual insurance company focused on driving value beyond dividends, investing in colleagues, and building an inclusive and innovative culture.
