Kemper Names Stephen McAnena as President & CEO

Key Takeaways

• Stephen McAnena becomes Kemper CEO and board member June 1, 2026.
• McAnena brings 30+ years across P&C, life, annuities; former Horace Mann COO.
• Interim CEO C. Thomas Evans returns to EVP, Secretary, General Counsel role.
• Anthony DeSantis joins Kemper board, adding 40+ years insurance industry experience.
• Leadership shifts aim to boost performance amid broader market headwinds.

Pulse Analysis

Kemper Corporation’s executive reshuffle arrives at a pivotal moment for the U.S. property‑casualty market, where insurers grapple with rising loss ratios and evolving regulatory pressures. By installing Stephen J. McAnena as President and CEO, the company signals a commitment to seasoned operational leadership capable of steering complex product lines and modernizing distribution channels. McAnena’s track record at Horace Mann, Farmers, and Liberty Mutual equips him with a nuanced understanding of both personal and commercial lines, a blend increasingly valuable as insurers seek cross‑selling opportunities and digital transformation.

McAnena’s 30‑plus years span the full insurance value chain—from underwriting to claims management—providing Kemper with a leader who can align strategic priorities with executional rigor. His experience overseeing large‑scale operations at Horace Mann, where he drove profitability through disciplined expense control, suggests a focus on margin improvement for Kemper’s legacy brands. Moreover, his background in group benefits and annuities may broaden Kemper’s product diversification, mitigating the cyclical nature of auto and homeowners lines that have faced recent headwinds.

The addition of Anthony DeSantis to the board further reinforces Kemper’s emphasis on deep industry insight. With four decades of experience across personal and commercial lines, DeSantis brings perspective on underwriting cycles and distribution trends, especially in non‑standard auto—a segment where Kemper has historically held market share. Together, the new leadership team is poised to enhance governance, accelerate strategic initiatives, and deliver shareholder value amid a competitive, cost‑pressured insurance landscape.