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Protective’s Steve Walker, Vice Chairman, Finance & Risk, announces plans to retire
November 7, 2024
Protective's risk and corporate actuarial teams to align under leadership of Paul Wells, EVP & Chief Financial Officer.
Wade Harrison now serving as EVP & Chief Operating Officer.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Protective Corporation (Protective), a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. Opens in a new tab (Dai-ichi, TSE:8750), announces the retirement of Steve Walker, Vice Chairman, Finance & Risk, effective Dec. 31, 2024, following a career that spanned more than two decades at Protective. Walker's current team, including the risk and corporate actuarial functions, will be realigned under the leadership of Paul Wells, EVP & Chief Financial Officer. In addition, Wade Harrison now serves as EVP & Chief Operating Officer.
"With over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, Steve is a highly respected leader, advisor and mentor both inside and outside of Protective, and he is a trusted friend,” said Rich Bielen, President & CEO for Protective. “During his time at Protective, Steve has played a pivotal role in the completion of thirteen acquisitions and strengthened our financial and enterprise risk management functions. He has created meaningful impact at Protective that positions us well for continued growth, and we appreciate his contributions.”
Walker joined Protective in 2002 as Chief Financial Officer for the Asset Protection Division. In 2003, he became Chief Accounting Officer and Controller, until becoming EVP & Chief Financial Officer in January 2016. He assumed his current role of Vice Chairman, Finance & Risk in 2022.
As we integrate Walker's current teams into the finance organization under Wells’ leadership, Dom Lebel, SVP, Chief Risk Officer, has taken on an expanded role to include responsibility for the corporate actuarial function. In addition, Barbara Pugh, SVP, Chief Accounting Officer, will take on an expanded role to include corporate tax and vendor management.
Now serving as EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Harrison continues to oversee Protective's retail businesses, operations, IT and marketing, all of which are essential for driving strategic growth and operational excellence. Harrison had served as EVP & Chief Retail Officer since June 2022.
“We are fortunate to have talented teams and leaders in place who will continue to drive success in these key functions. Change also brings opportunity, and we look forward to our continued growth together,” Bielen continued.
Beyond Protective, Steve is regarded as a distinguished leader and mentor in the insurance industry and in the community, serving as a board member of the Addiction Prevention Coalition, a mentor for the RGA Leaders of Tomorrow program, a member and past chairman of the Alabama Insurance Planning Commission, and a member and past president of the Alabama Insurance & Risk Management Education Foundation.
As we integrate Walker's current teams into the finance organization under Wells’ leadership, Dom Lebel, SVP, Chief Risk Officer, has taken on an expanded role to include responsibility for the corporate actuarial function. In addition, Barbara Pugh, SVP, Chief Accounting Officer, will take on an expanded role to include corporate tax and vendor management.
Now serving as EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Harrison continues to oversee Protective's retail businesses, operations, IT and marketing, all of which are essential for driving strategic growth and operational excellence. Harrison had served as EVP & Chief Retail Officer since June 2022.
“We are fortunate to have talented teams and leaders in place who will continue to drive success in these key functions. Change also brings opportunity, and we look forward to our continued growth together,” Bielen continued.
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.
Corporate Communications
Source: Protective Life Corporation
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