PEOPLE
Voya Financial
Voya Financial, Inc., announced recently that it has appointed David Wilken as president of the company’s individual life business, effective immediately. In this role, Wilken will be responsible for the implementation and execution of a refined vision and strategy for the business, which supports Voya’s broader focus on helping customers as they plan, invest and protect their savings for retirement. He will have overall responsibility for the strategy of the individual life business and will directly manage product teams, distribution and sales, business development and underwriting. He will also join Voya’s operating committee. Wilken reports directly to Insurance Solutions CEO Michael Smith, who oversees the individual life, employee benefits and closed block variable annuity segments.
“With nearly 30 years of finance and sales leadership experience for Voya and its legacy companies, Dave has a true passion for life insurance and how it can help customers grow, protect and enjoy their retirement savings,” said Smith. “Dave has been instrumental in our journey as Voya and has helped our individual life business adapt to a dynamically changing market. His strong industry and institutional knowledge, along with a deep understanding of consumers and distributor needs, makes Dave the ideal candidate to lead the business as we advance Voya’s vision to be America’s retirement company.”
In his most recent role as head of individual life distribution, Wilken was responsible for the leadership and management of all individual life sales distribution channels, with a focus on growth in the accumulation and indexed market segments. He previously served as head of the company’s independent life sales channel and in various accounting and finance positions for the life and annuity businesses.
“Insurance consumers at every age and life stage expect a provider that knows how to meet their needs—with the products, services and solutions that are most meaningful to them,” said Wilken. “I’m extremely proud of what Voya’s individual life team has accomplished in recent years. We’ve refined and realigned our distribution strategy; we’ve pioneered new digital selling systems and capabilities; and we’ve re-focused our suite of products to better guide Americans on the path to a more secure retirement. I’m thrilled to take on this opportunity, and I look forward to leading Voya’s individual life business during its next phase of growth and evolution.”
Wilken earned a bachelor of science in accounting from the University of Minnesota and a master of business administration from the University of St. Thomas. He currently serves as a member of the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting (AALU) and a board member of BestPrep, a non-profit that helps educate Minnesota students on business, career, financial literacy and life skills.
