Guardian names Erin Culek to new role of Chief Strategy & Operating Officer
NEW YORK, N.Y., March 22, 2024 – The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) announced today that Erin Culek has been named Chief Strategy & Operating Officer, a new role in the organization that brings together key capabilities that support Guardian’s strategy and operational effectiveness. Culek most recently served as Head of Strategy & Corporate Development since September 2020 and will continue to report to Chief Executive Officer and President Andrew McMahon.
In her expanded role, Culek will oversee the newly formed Enterprise Strategy and Solutions organization, bringing together key functions and capabilities critical to unlocking Guardian’s growth potential, including enterprise strategy and corporate development, corporate impact, AI, automation, data and analytics, strategic sourcing and procurement, and real estate and facilities. This integrated organization will work in close partnership with Guardian’s businesses to support strategic priorities, drive efficiencies, and achieve long-term growth and transformation goals.
“Erin has contributed significantly to Guardian’s transformation into a contemporary, data-driven, and consumer-centric organization by helping us to rearticulate our purpose to inspire well-being® and executing key strategic partnerships and transactions,” said Andrew McMahon. “With Erin’s expanded leadership role, we are better positioned to accelerate this transformation, improve the consumer experience, drive operational efficiency, and further advance our growth strategy.”
“I’m excited to be bringing together these talented teams and key capabilities to enhance our partnership with the business, deliver continued innovation, and realize our aspirations to be champions of well-being for our colleagues, customers, and communities,” said Culek. “I see tremendous potential and am looking forward to what we can achieve together.”
Before joining Guardian in 2020, Erin held the role of Executive Vice President of Business and Client Management for Nuveen, the asset management division of TIAA. Erin graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.
For more information, please visit www.guardianlife.com
About Guardian
Guardian makes a difference in the lives of people when they need us most. With over 160 years of stability and fiscal integrity, we are a trusted resource to generations of families and business owners, inspiring well-being and helping build financial confidence. Today, we stand behind millions of consumers, helping them prepare and plan for a bright future for themselves and their families. We help business owners care for their employees. And we help people recover and thrive in times of unexpected loss. As a modern mutual insurance company, we believe in driving value beyond dividends. We invest in our colleagues, are building an inclusive and innovative culture, and are helping to uplift communities through thoughtful corporate impact programs. Guardian, which is based in New York City, is a leading provider of life, disability, dental, and other benefits, and has received accolades for its culture and service. Our colleagues and financial professionals serve with care and experience, and our commitments rest on a strong financial foundation, which included a 2024 dividend allocation of $1.398 billion – the largest in the company's history. For more information, visit guardianlife.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.