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Senior Vue President, Life Insurance and Annuities, Nationwide Financial
Q We really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us, Eric! Can you begin by telling us about your current role at Nationwide?
A I lead Nationwide s annuity and life insurance businesses, representing over $60 billion in assets and reserves and $120 billion of insurance in force. I'm responsible for all aspects of the life and annuity segments, including product development and implementation, managing profitability, executing strategic initiatives, driving strategic positioning, and overseeing business operations.
A year and a half ago, we made the decision to integrate our life insurance and annuities businesses into a single business unit. Driving integration, collaboration, and innovation within this new organization has been a big focus for me.
Q. If there is a "typical" day for you, what would it look like?
A With an organization that involves as many moving parts as mine, its always different. A typical day could involve meeting with leaders from my department or other business units within Nationwide. My job is to understand how life insurance and annuity products fit into Nationwide s broader strategy and ensure that we are executing appropriately across my team. I also make a point to get out and build strong relationships with the third-party partners who distribute many of our products. It's critical that we listen to them to understand how we can develop the next generation of products they need to meet the evolving needs of their clients.
Q. What is the first information source or publication you consult in the morning?
A I read a variety of financial services trade publications that cover trends in both the life insurance and annuity industries. I also pay attention to The New York: Timej and The Wall Street Journal to keep up with larger economic trends.
Q You first joined Nationwide as an Actuarial Assistant in 1985. What is it about the company that has kept you...