Sammons Financial Group names Rob TeKolste as President to Advance 2030 Growth Strategy

New leaders appointed across annuity, wealth management, and corporate development teams

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sammons Financial Group today announced a strategic evolution of its leadership team and structure to advance the company’s plans for growth. Effective January 1, 2026, industry veteran Rob TeKolste will assume the role President, Sammons Financial Group, reporting to the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Esfand Dinshaw.

In his new role, TeKolste will oversee the company’s five core business units — the Life Insurance Group, Sammons Independent Annuity Group, Sammons Institutional Group, Corporate Markets, and the newly established Sammons Wealth Management — as well as Corporate Development and Operations.

“As we build upon a strong 2025 and look ahead to the next phase of our growth, this new structure allows us to move faster, scale smarter, and continue to deliver on behalf of our agents, advisors, distribution partners, customers, and employee-owners,” said Esfand Dinshaw, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sammons Financial Group. “Rob is a proven leader with deep operational expertise and a strong track record of performance.”

TeKolste joined Sammons Financial Group in 1999 and has since moved throughout the leadership ranks heading multiple areas from marketing, sales and distribution, shared services, and more.

“Rob’s continued focus will be to simultaneously grow our core business lines while thoughtfully exploring diversification opportunities in the greater financial services space,” Dinshaw added.

“It is exciting to be part of Sammons Financial Group today,” said TeKolste. “We have strong momentum across our traditional life insurance-based businesses, as we aggressively expand into the wealth management and wealth advisor industries. I’m honored to lead our teams to execute on a strategy to grow our core and selectively expand into adjacent areas that align with our strengths and purpose.”

Additional leadership appointments, effective January 1, 2026, include:

• Sammons Independent Annuity Group: With TeKolste’s move, Bryce Biklen has been named President, Sammons Independent Annuity Group, reporting to TeKolste. Biklen will drive annuity sales and strategy, accelerate growth, and strengthen the company’s position in the US annuity marketplace. Biklen first joined Midland National – a member company of Sammons Financial Group – in 2000 and most recently served as annuity Chief Distribution Officer.

• Wealth Management: Michael Mock is elevated to President, Sammons Wealth Management Group. In this expanded role, he will grow the company’s wealth management focus as it becomes a core pillar of Sammons Financial Group’s total offerings. He will oversee the operations of Beacon Capital Management, NorthRock Partners, and Wealthcare. Mock joined Sammons Financial Group in 2013.

• Corporate Development: Brent Mardis is promoted to Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer. Reporting to TeKolste, Mardis and his team will identify and develop new opportunities that complement Sammons Financial Group’s core businesses lines while pursuing areas of diversification in adjacent financial spaces. Mardis has been with Sammons Financial Group since 2004.

Esfand Dinshaw continues to serve as Sammons Financial Group Chairman and CEO. The Corporate Services, Investment Management, and Legal & Compliance functions will continue to report to him in this revised corporate structure.

“While leadership is shifting, our purpose and foundation are unchanged,” Dinshaw said. “Our core strategy remains clear: drive sustainable growth and deliver exceptional value. As an employee-owned company, our success is shared — and together, we are building upon our strengths, talent, and preparation for our next chapter.”

About Sammons Financial Group

The companies of Sammons Financial Group^® help families and businesses by empowering futures and changing lives. Sammons Financial Group is employee owned with member companies that are among the most enduring and stable in the financial services industry. Sammons Financial Group is Midwest-based, with offices in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Virginia.