Best’s News & Research Service - July 22, 2014 02:29 PM (EDT)
FBL Financial Names Chief Operating Officer of Life Companies
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa //BestWire// - FBL Financial Group Inc. has promoted Raymond W. Wasilewski to chief operating officer of life companies to oversee business for FBL's primary operating subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.
The position of COO was previously vacant. The company announced in January that Richard J. Kypta would retire from the position on March 1 (Best's News Service, Jan. 14, 2014).
At the time, John D. Currier Jr. took over the position, but he left the company in May for personal reasons, Kathleen Till Stange, corporate and investor relations vice president, told Best's News Service in an email. The position remained empty until Wasilewski was appointed on July 21.
"Ray has been a driving force behind many innovations at FBL Financial Group since joining the organization in 1997," James P. Brannen, FBL Financial Group's chief executive officer, said in a statement. "He has been a significant asset to FBL's management team, executing major foundational initiatives that impact FBL's long-term vitality and success."
Since May 2013, Wasilewski was chief administrative officer for FBLA Financial Group, where he was responsible for information technology, human resources and agency services. Before that, he was FBL's vice president of information technology and has served on the senior leadership team of the company's former subsidiary, EquiTrust Life, and was vice president of technology.
Farm Bureau Life underwrites and markets a range of life insurance and annuities to individuals and businesses, distributed by multiline exclusive Farm Bureau agents.
Shares of FBL (NYSE: FFG) were trading at $43.75 on the afternoon of July 22, down 0.43% from the previous close.
Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. has a current Best's Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent).
(By Marie Suszynski, Best's News Service correspondent)