Ben Fowke Named Lead Independent Director of Securian Financial Board of Directors

Former Xcel Energy chairman and CEO brings extensive executive leadership and governance experience to expanded board role

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Securian Financial today announced that Ben Fowke, retired chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy, has been named lead independent director of its board of directors.

Fowke, who has served on Securian Financial’s board since 2018, brings decades of executive leadership, strategic oversight and corporate governance experience to the role. As lead independent director, he will help strengthen the board’s independent oversight, foster collaboration among directors and management, and support effective governance as Securian Financial advances its long-term strategy. In addition to his new responsibilities, Fowke also serves as chair of the Human Resources and Compensation committee and is a member of the board’s Audit and Executive committees.

“Ben Fowke is a highly respected business leader whose experience, sound judgment and strategic perspective have been invaluable to our board for the past eight years,” said Chris Hilger, Securian Financial’s chairman, president and CEO. “His proven leadership of a Fortune 500 company, deep understanding of our business and commitment to strong corporate governance make him exceptionally well-suited for this expanded role. I look forward to working even more closely with Ben as we continue positioning Securian for long-term success and delivering on our commitment to customers and partners.”

Fowke served as Xcel Energy’s CEO from 2011 to 2021, leading one of the nation’s largest publicly traded utilities through a period of significant transformation. He subsequently served as executive chairman of Xcel Energy and, more recently, as interim CEO of American Electric Power (AEP) from February to July 2024.

A nationally recognized business leader, Fowke has served as chairman of the Edison Electric Institute, the national association of investor-owned electric companies, and on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, which advises the federal government on critical infrastructure security and resilience.

ABOUT SECURIAN FINANCIAL

To be confident in your financial future, you need to trust the strength and commitment of the companies you choose to work with. For more than 145 years, the Securian Financial family of companies has been developing innovative insurance and retirement solutions to meet the evolving needs of individuals, families and businesses. Offered through partnerships with employers, financial professionals and affinity groups, our products help bring peace of mind to more than 23 million customers throughout the United States and Canada. We are trusted by our partners and customers to fulfill our purpose of helping to build secure tomorrows. For more information about Securian Financial, visit securian.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Securian Financial is the marketing name for Securian Financial Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries. Insurance products are issued by its subsidiary insurance companies, including Minnesota Life Insurance Company and Securian Life Insurance Company, a New York authorized insurer.

DOFU 10-2026

6050163