Mutual CEO Dan Neary announces retirement plans; Blackledge named president and successor

Mutual of Omaha Chairman and CEO Dan Neary has announced that he will retire as Mutual of Omaha’s Chief Executive Officer in 2015. He will retain the role of Chairman of the Mutual of Omaha Board of Directors.

The Board today appointed Executive Vice President James T. Blackledge as President, and named him to succeed Neary as CEO upon Neary’s retirement. Blackledge most recently served as the company’s Chief Information/Chief Risk Officer.

Named Chairman and CEO in December 2004, Neary led Mutual of Omaha through the most successful decade in the company’s 105-year history, returning record profits and building on the company’s solid financial strength through one of the most challenging economic periods in the nation’s history.

"I reached this decision after a great deal of personal reflection and thoughtful consultation with Mutual’s Board of Directors. The time is right both personally and for the company," Neary said.

Blackledge, who joined Mutual as an actuary in 1989, most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer/Chief Risk Officer, where he had responsibility for the company’s technology applications and systems infrastructure as well as enterprise risk management. He previously held leadership roles in the company’s Individual Financial Services and Group Benefit Services business units.

Neary said Blackledge’s appointment is the culmination of the Board’s thoughtful and diligent process to identify his successor.
"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," Neary said.

Neary joined Mutual of Omaha as an actuary and went on to hold a number of key management positions within the group insurance area. He was appointed president of Mutual of Omaha in August 2003. He was named chairman and CEO in December 2004.

Mutual of Omaha is a full-service, multi-line organization providing insurance, banking and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the US.