New President & Chief Executive Officer selected to lead NGL

The Board of Directors for National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) selected Knut A. Olson as its next President and CEO, effective January 3, 2019, succeeding Mark L. Solverud who announced his retirement for the end of April 2019.

 “The Board conducted a nationwide search and established specific criteria to identify a leader who could build upon NGL’s growth, financial strength and connection with its customers and marketing partners. Olson is eminently qualified and has an outstanding reputation in the insurance industry. His many accomplishments and experience will provide NGL with strong leadership to guide us into the future,” stated David G. Walsh, Chairman of the Board.

Most recently, Olson was President of the North American Life and Annuity Division of Foresters Financial, and President of Foresters Life Insurance and Annuity Company, where he oversaw Forester’s life insurance business in the U.S. and Canada and also had responsibility over annuities, investment products and insurance operations.

Prior to Foresters he worked at Thrivent Financial for more than 25 years, beginning as an insurance agent and advancing to General Agent, Managing Partner, Divisional Vice President, and then to the home office position of Chief Distribution Officer and ultimately Senior Vice President of Mission Advancement.  

“I share the values that drive NGL’s mission and am impressed with the company’s past achievements. While remaining committed to its primary markets and policyholders, the Board is looking to expand NGL’s marketing and product focus in order to continue its path of growth.  I have a background and passion for that challenge, and I look forward to working with the Board and management staff toward that goal,” said Olson.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Olson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University and a Chartered Life Underwriter designation from The American College.

NGL, located in downtown Madison, is a rapidly-growing, independent mutual life insurance company that currently focuses on select markets, including Preneed, Individual Life & Annuities, and specialty and student group market products. NGL and its subsidiaries have assets of $4.5 billion, annual sales exceeding $800 million and over 1.2 million policyholders. With offices in Madison, WI and Utica, NY there are more than 400 people employed by NGL.

About NGL

Since 1910, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL), a mutual insurance company, has been located in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products including specialty and student insurance. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company

NGL reported $3.9 billion in consolidated liabilities for 2017. Financials current as of 12/31/17.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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