Tim Gerend of Northwestern Mutual Named One of America's Top CEOs by Glassdoor for 2026

Tim Gerend of Northwestern Mutual Recognized as a Leading CEO

In an impressive acknowledgment of his leadership, Tim Gerend, the chairman, president, and CEO of Northwestern Mutual, has been named among America's best CEOs for 2026 by Glassdoor, a prominent platform that collects workplace reviews and ratings. Gerend earned the distinguished No. 7 spot on Glassdoor’s annual list, which relies solely on anonymous feedback from employees within various companies.

This recognition is not just a personal achievement for Gerend; it serves as a testament to the collective effort of Northwestern Mutual’s workforce. According to Glassdoor's methodology, CEO approval ratings are calculated based on responses to a straightforward question: “Do you approve or disapprove of the way your CEO is leading the company?” The results represent the sentiments of employees, leaders, financial advisors, and other teams, showcasing a work environment cultivated with trust and transparency.

Tim Gerend expressed his gratitude for this recognition, stating, "This is truly a team award. It reflects the extraordinary commitment of Northwestern Mutual’s employees, financial advisors, and leaders to our shared success." He acknowledged the generations of dedicated professionals who have contributed to building the company’s reputation as a trusted name in financial services. Gerend emphasized his role in representing their legacy and shared purpose to continue helping Americans achieve financial security.

Having taken on his current roles in 2025, Gerend has been proactive in reinforcing Northwestern Mutual’s leadership within the financial planning industry. He has spearheaded initiatives to elevate the company's stature and drive innovation while investing in technology and advisor development. Earlier in the year, Northwestern Mutual achieved remarkable business performance metrics, breaking records in revenue, surplus positioning, and dividends distributed to policyowners.

As an industry frontrunner, Gerend advocates for a proactive approach to financial planning, especially among younger generations. He believes that engaging young adults in their 20s and 30s in comprehensive planning discussions is essential for building lasting financial security. Gerend has consistently highlighted the link between financial health and overall well-being, suggesting that financial stability can significantly influence personal prosperity, relationships, and mental health.

Moreover, he has encouraged leaders across various sectors to be both learners and educators, emphasizing adaptability in a rapidly evolving business landscape. The goal is to foster a culture of shared consciousness that taps into collective capabilities.

This accolade arrives during a time of robust growth for Northwestern Mutual, which serves over five million clients and policyowners. The company's life insurance protection now exceeds $2.5 trillion, solidifying its status as the largest direct provider of individual life insurance, disability income insurance, and ranking third in individual long-term care insurance. Additionally, Northwestern Mutual’s retail investment arm manages over $450 billion in client assets, positioning itself among the top five independent broker-dealers in the United States.

Gerend joins an illustrious roster of recognized leaders through Glassdoor, including Jensen Huang of NVIDIA, Michael Mahoney of Boston Scientific, and Sir Pascal Soriot of AstraZeneca, underscoring the caliber of leadership recognized by this esteemed ranking.

About Northwestern Mutual:
With over 165 years of experience, Northwestern Mutual is devoted to helping individuals and businesses secure their financial future. By integrating the expertise of financial professionals with a tailored digital experience, the company provides industry-leading financial products that cater to clients' most crucial needs. As of now, Northwestern Mutual boasts total managed assets exceeding $780 billion, alongside a revenue of over $40 billion, diligently working towards the financial security of millions with diverse insurance and investment solutions.