Protective taps Jeff Wasco to lead Employee Benefits business

September 4, 2025

The move supports continued growth and integration of Employee Benefits business following Protective’s acquisition of ShelterPoint.

Protective Life Corporation (Protective), a U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), today announced the promotion of Jeff Wasco to SVP, Employee Benefits. Wasco will lead operations, sales, go-to-market strategy, distribution and product management for this important business line.

Wasco will report to Aaron Seurkamp, SVP and President, Protection & Retirement Division, who is taking on expanded responsibility in overseeing this business. Since the acquisition of ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company (ShelterPoint)¹ in November 2024, Employee Benefits has played a key role in the Protective’s growth strategy, diversifying its product portfolio and opening doors to new market opportunities. This change is an important milestone in the continued integration of ShelterPoint into Protective and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to positioning Employee Benefits for long-term success.

“Jeff has demonstrated strong leadership and strategic vision. His deep industry experience and proven ability to drive results make him the right leader to guide Employee Benefits through its next phase of growth,” said Seurkamp. “The mission of our Employee Benefits business line aligns well with Protective’s life and health offerings, reinforcing our shared commitment to delivering comprehensive, reliable coverage. We are excited about the future of this business.”

Wasco has led sales, product and distribution for the Employee Benefits business since 2024. He brings over 20 years of group benefits experience, including a variety of leadership roles at Guardian Life, driving focus on strategic growth initiatives. His industry knowledge and operational expertise position him well to lead Employee Benefits as it strengthens its foundation in New York and expands nationally.

ShelterPoint was recently approved as a private plan provider for Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) coverage in Minnesota, Delaware and Maine. This strategic expansion supports Protective’s commitment to investing in employee benefits and positions the company to help employers navigate evolving statutory benefit requirements. Minnesota, Delaware and Maine join a growing number of states implementing PFML programs, and ShelterPoint’s early market entry enables Protective to support businesses ahead of each state’s coverage mandates, which begin as early as January 1, 2026.

About Protective

Protective Life Corporation has helped people achieve protection and security in their lives for 119 years. Through its subsidiaries, Protective offers life insurance, annuity, asset protection and employee benefit solutions and is helping nearly 32 million people protect what matters most. Protective’s more than 3,900 employees put people first and deliver on the company’s promises to customers, partners, colleagues and communities — because we’re all protectors. With a long-term focus, financial stability and commitment to doing the right thing, Protective Life Corporation, a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., has approximately $140 billion in assets, as of Sept. 30, 2025. Protective is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and is supported by a robust virtual workforce and core sites in the greater Cincinnati area and St. Louis. For more information about Protective, visit protective.com.

About ShelterPoint

ShelterPoint specializes in statutory benefit programs in the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) space in a growing number of states. For more information about ShelterPoint, please visit www.shelterpoint.com.

¹The ShelterPoint family of companies consists of ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company (a NY-domiciled carrier with its principal office in Garden City, NY) and its wholly owned subsidiary, ShelterPoint Insurance Company (a FL domiciled carrier, not licensed in NY). These companies operate under the “ShelterPoint” name strictly as a marketing name, and no legal significance is expressed or implied. ShelterPoint’s holding company, ShelterPoint Group, Inc., is not a licensed insurance entity. The ShelterPoint family of companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of Protective Life Insurance Company, a Nebraska domiciled carrier that is licensed in all states excluding NY.