CNO Makes Leadership Changes

CNO Financial Group in Carmel is the highest-ranked Indiana company on the list.

Carmel-based CNO Financial Group Inc. (NYSE: CNO) has made several changes to its executive leadership. The company has named a new chief marketing officer as well as presidents of its Washington National and Colonial Penn subsidiaries.

CNO has appointed Mike Heard president of Washington National. He succeeds Barbara Stewart, who the company says has left to pursue other opportunities. Heard joined CNO in 2013 and most recently served as senior vice president of enterprise operations.

Gerardo Monroy has been promoted to chief marketing officer, leading the company’s marketing and communications team. Monroy joined CNO in 2001 and most recently served as president of Colonial Penn.

CNO says Joel Schwartz will succeed Monroy as Colonial Penn’s president. Schwartz previously served as vice president of finance and administration for Colonial Penn. 

Gary Bhojwani, president of CNO, says the changes "fully support" the company’s strategy and focus on growing its businesses. "CNO’s investment and commitment to talent development has allowed us to promote strong internal leaders into these key executive positions. Mike, Gerardo and Joel all possess the talent, expertise, and proven leadership to enhance our senior team, and will continue to allow us to navigate the many opportunities ahead for CNO."