Protective Announces Leadership Changes in Executive Benefits Markets

Ron Laeyendecker, Senior Vice President of Executive Benefits Markets, to Retire

John Cropenbaker Promoted to Senior Vice President of Executive Benefits Markets

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Protective Life Corporation (Protective), a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (Dai-ichi, TSE:8750), today announced that veteran industry leader Ron Laeyendecker, Senior Vice President of Executive Benefits Markets, has shared his plans to retire on June 30, 2025. Upon Laeyendecker’s retirement, John Cropenbaker will be promoted to Senior Vice President of Executive Benefits Markets.

"Ron’s contributions to Protective and the Executive Benefits business lines have been transformational. His deep technical expertise and long-term relationships have driven significant growth and laid a strong foundation for future success,” said Aaron Seurkamp, Senior Vice President and President of the Protection & Retirement Division. “At the same time, he has built an outstanding team, and we are confident in John Cropenbaker’s ability to carry this work forward. John’s experience and vision make him a strong successor to build on Ron’s legacy and drive future growth."

Over his 39-year career, Laeyendecker has been instrumental in building the Executive Benefits team into the success it is today, achieving over $8 billion in new sales in the past five years alone. In addition to this significant growth, he ensured this business line will continue to reach new heights of success after his retirement through his thoughtful and strategic leadership.

Cropenbaker brings 20 years of financial services experience to this role, including roles at Fidelity Investments, Western & Southern, and a variety of leadership roles at Protective, since joining the organization in 2012. Most recently, John served as Vice President of Business Development of Executive Benefits Markets and has been pivotal in driving entry into new markets and investing in infrastructure for sustained growth.

Greg Ordonez will continue in his role as Vice President and National Sales Manager of Executive Benefits Markets, leading all distribution efforts with a focus on fostering and expanding relationships with its distribution partners.

Since it was acquired from Great-West in 2019, Protective’s Executive Benefits business has become an important part of the company’s strategic growth. With a long-term commitment to this business, Protective has invested in the Executive Benefits business and developed key talent that will sustain its success in the years to come.

About Protective

Protective has helped people achieve protection and security in their lives for 118 years. Through its subsidiaries, Protective offers life insurance, annuity, asset protection and employee benefits solutions and is helping nearly 17 million people protect what matters most. Protective’s approximately 3,800 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 $125 billion in assets, as of Dec. 31, 2024. 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 www.protective.com.