Sammons Financial Group Appoints Rob TeKolste as President to Drive 2030 Growth Strategy

Sammons Financial Group has announced a strategic leadership restructuring effective January 1, 2026, appointing Rob TeKolste as President to spearhead the company's 2030 growth strategy. TeKolste, a seasoned executive with a history at Sammons since 1999, will oversee five core business units including Life Insurance, Independent Annuity, Institutional Group, Corporate Markets, and the newly formed Wealth Management segment, alongside Corporate Development and Operations. This reorganization aims to enhance operational speed, scalability, and delivery to stakeholders including agents, advisors, and customers. The leadership change reflects Sammons Financial Group's focus on sustained growth and diversification, targeting expansion within traditional life insurance sectors and adjacent financial services such as wealth management and advisory. Chairman and CEO Esfand Dinshaw will maintain oversight of Corporate Services, Investment Management, and Legal & Compliance functions, underscoring continuity in the group's core strategy and governance. Sammons Financial Group, a Midwest-based employee-owned company, maintains a strong presence with offices across multiple states including Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. The group's strategic evolution signals a dual focus on consolidating its established insurance operations while pursuing selective diversification opportunities that align with its operational strengths and market positioning. This leadership update is aligned with Sammons' broader vision to drive sustainable growth and deliver shareholder value, leveraging extensive industry experience and operational expertise within the executive team. The announcement further emphasizes the company's commitment to adapting its corporate structure in response to evolving market demands and opportunities within the financial services industry.