U.S. insurance company Kemper Corporation announced the appointment of Stephen J. McAnena as president and chief executive officer (CEO) and will join the board of directors, effective June 1, 2026.
McAnena will also join the company’s board of directors on the same day.
C. Thomas Evans, who served as the company’s interim chief executive officer, will resume his duties as executive vice president, secretary and general counsel.
McAnena has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the property and casualty, group benefits, life and annuity areas.
Most recently, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Horace Mann.
Prior to that, he served as president of Farmers Insurance’s personal lines business and spent 25 years at Liberty Mutual Insurance in various senior leadership roles, most recently as president of commercial insurance and executive vice president of global retail markets.
Kemper also announced the appointment of Anthony DeSantis to the Board of Directors, effective June 1, 2026.
DeSantis has more than 40 years of insurance industry experience, with expertise in the personal and commercial sectors, including non-standard automobiles, and in-depth knowledge across distribution channels.
Previously, he held senior leadership positions at a number of insurance companies, including American Family, The General, Farmers and AIG.
“We are pleased to welcome Steve to Kemper,” said Gerry Laderman, Chairman of the Board. “He is widely recognized for his ability to align organizations around clear priorities, build and develop high-performing teams, and lead insurance companies through change and transformation.
“After a thoughtful and rigorous search process, the board is confident that Steve will bring the experience and leadership needed to help Kemper execute on its priorities, enhance performance and create long-term value for our shareholders, employees, customers and communities.”
Rudman continued: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Tom for his steady leadership as interim CEO, particularly as we navigate industry-wide headwinds in our core markets.
“We are grateful for his continued commitment and support of Kemper throughout this transition. I am also pleased to welcome Tony to the Board of Directors. His extensive industry experience and leadership across multiple underwriting cycles will make him a valuable addition to our Board of Directors, and we look forward to benefiting from his perspective and counsel.”
“I am honored to join Kemper at this important time in the company’s history,” said McAnena. “Kemper has a solid foundation, a great brand, talented employees and a long-term commitment to serving customers and communities. I look forward to working closely with the board, leadership team, employees, and dealer and distribution partners across the organization to build on this foundation, enhance performance, and support Kemper’s long-term success.”
