Principal Financial Group (Nasdaq: PFG) has announced the election of Deanna Strable as the new chair of the board, effective September 2, 2025. Strable will succeed Dan Houston, who has been serving as the chair since 2016. Houston, who held the position of President and CEO of Principal until January 7, 2025, will conclude his service on the board of directors.
Strable, who assumed the role of President and CEO in January 2025, joined Principal in 1990 as an actuarial assistant and has held various leadership positions within the organization. She has been instrumental in leading business strategy and operations through significant growth and transformation periods within Principal. Prior to her current role, she served as the company's Chief Financial Officer from 2017-2024 and was the first leader of the specialty benefits division before integrating it with the life insurance business.
Under Strable's leadership, Principal Financial Group has continued to demonstrate its commitment to improving the wealth and well-being of individuals and businesses. With approximately 20,000 employees as of June 30, 2025, the company serves over 70 million customers, helping them plan, insure, invest, and retire. Principal Financial Group has also been recognized as one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies and named as a Best Places to Work in Money Management.
The transition in leadership reflects Principal's commitment to driving growth and shareholder value, with the board expressing full confidence in Strable's leadership to accelerate the company’s future growth while delivering exceptional value to customers and strong returns for shareholders. The market has reacted to these announcements by moving the company's shares 0.02% to a price of $78.615. Check out the company's full 8-K submission here.
