US-based insurer Kemper Corporation has announced the appointment of Stephen J. McAnena as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and will also join its Board of Directors, effective 1st June 2026.
McAnena will also join the company’s Board of Directors on the same date.
C. Thomas Evans, who has served as the firm’s interim CEO, will return to his role as Executive Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel.
McAnena brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the property and casualty, group benefits, life, and annuity sectors.
Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Horace Mann.
Prior to that, he served as President of Personal Lines at Farmers Insurance, and spent 25 years at Liberty Mutual Insurance in various senior leadership roles, most recently as President, Business Insurance, Executive Vice President, Global Retail Markets.
Kemper also announced the appointment of Anthony DeSantis to its Board of Directors, effective 1st June 2026.
DeSantis brings more than 40 years of insurance industry experience, with expertise in personal and commercial lines, including non-standard auto, and deep knowledge across distribution channels.
Previously, he held senior leadership roles at various insurers including American Family, The General, Farmers, and AIG, among others.
Gerry Laderman, Chairman of the Board, said, “We are pleased to welcome Steve to Kemper. He is widely recognised for his ability to align organisations around clear priorities, build and develop high-performing teams, and lead insurance companies through change and transformation.
“Following a thoughtful and rigorous search process, the Board is confident Steve brings the experience and leadership needed to help Kemper execute on its priorities, strengthen performance, and create long-term value for our shareholders, employees, customers, and communities.”
Laderman continued, “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Tom for his steady leadership as Interim CEO, particularly as we navigated industry-wide headwinds across our core markets.
“We are grateful for his continued commitment to Kemper and his support throughout this transition. I am also pleased to welcome Tony to the Board of Directors. His broad industry experience and leadership through multiple underwriting cycles will make him a valuable addition to our Board, and we look forward to benefiting from his perspective and counsel.”
“I am honoured to join Kemper at this important point in the company’s journey,” said McAnena. “Kemper has a strong foundation, a great brand, talented employees, and a long-standing commitment to serving its customers and communities. I look forward to working closely with the Board, leadership team, employees, and agents and distribution partners across the organisation to build on that foundation, strengthen performance, and support Kemper’s long-term success.”
