05.15.26

Protective Life CEO Bielen To Retire at Year-End

by: Saumya Jain

Protective Life announced a leadership transition as CEO Rich Bielen plans to retire at the end of 2026 and be succeeded by current President and CFO Paul Wells, effective January 1, 2027. Bielen, who has led the company since 2017 after a long tenure spanning more than 35 years at Protective, oversaw significant growth including a near-doubling of assets from $75 billion to $142 billion, revenue rising to $8 billion and six acquisitions that expanded the firm’s business mix. Wells, who has served in multiple senior roles over two decades at the company and became president and CFO in 2026, was named as the chosen successor based on his strategic leadership and deep operational experience. The announcement also included planned retirements of other long-serving executives, including Scott Adams and Mark Drew, marking a broader leadership reshaping at the firm.

Read the full article on Reinsurance News