President
Northwestern Mutual | Milwaukee
Tim Gerend is president of Northwestern Mutual and will become the Milwaukee-based life insurance and financial services company’s next CEO on Jan. 1, 2025. During his more than two decades with the company, Gerend has held leadership roles in various areas, including law, compliance, field compensation and campus planning. Most recently as executive vice president and chief distribution officer, he was responsible for the company’s go-to-market strategy, including the company’s 20,000 advisors and employees, and strategic communications and marketing strategies.
Education: Bachelor’s, Butler University; J.D., Notre Dame Law School
Favorite Wisconsin destination: “We love visiting our three (of four) kids in Madison. We also love the beauty and serenity of the North Woods and, of course, Lambeau Field. That said, I’ll say anywhere on the shore of Lake Michigan.”
Traits you seek for new hires: “I want people who are smart, curious and willing to be more about the team than themselves.”
Highlights from the past 12 months: “Northwestern Mutual awarded an industry-leading $7.3 billion dividend to our life insurance policyowners – our largest-ever payout and nearly three times the size of our nearest competitor.”
Advice for first-time leaders: “First and foremost, be authentic and allow your values to guide your decisions and actions. A leader’s role extends far beyond managing tasks and teams. They must set a bold vision, communicate and advocate, secure buy-in from stakeholders and drive the organization forward.”
