St. Paul-based Securian Financial Group announced Tuesday that Christopher Hilger will become its 16th president effective Jan. 1.
Hilger, currently the executive vice president of the 131-year-old insurance firm, succeeds the retiring Randy Wallake, 63, as president. Wallake will stay on as vice chairman until retiring June 30th.
Hilger, 47 and a 25-year industry veteran, joined Securian in 2004 after the company bought Allied Solutions.
Tuesday's leadership news is part of a long-standing policy of deliberate succession planning, spokeswoman Maggie Jensen said. CEO and Chairman Robert Senkler, 59, has no plans to leave or change jobs, she said.
Hilger will report to Senkler and head Securian's insurance businesses and information services technology. Hilger already serves as the CEO of Securian's large Allied Solutions subsidiary, which is based in Indianapolis.
Senkler said in a statement that Hilger has already played a "key role" in Securian's growth strategies. He added that preparing internal candidates like Hilger for greater responsibility is part of Securian's culture.
Securian, with collective net revenue of $3.1 billion, is the parent company of Minnesota Life Insurance Co.; Advantus Capital Management; Allied Solutions; Capital Financial Group; Cherokee National Life Insurance; CNL/Insurance America; Securian Trust, and Securian Financial Services.
Dee DePass • 612-673-7725
