CARMEL, Ind., May 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CNO Financial
Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) today announced its Chief Executive Officer Edward J. Bonach, 63, will
retire from that position and from the Board of Directors effective December 31, 2017. CNO's
Board of Directors has unanimously elected current President Gary Bhojwani, 49, to succeed Bonach
as Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2018. Bhojwani will join the Board effective immediately,
and will continue as CNO's President throughout the transition.
"It's been an incredible privilege and honor to serve this great company for over 10 years—with almost six years as its
CEO—and work with the many talented leaders, associates and agents who successfully serve the needs of our customers every day,"
said Bonach. "Together we've enhanced shareholder value, extended our customer reach, and delivered strong financial and
operational performance. After much thought, with the company well-positioned for future success and with great confidence in
Gary's proven leadership and experience, I've decided it's the right time for me to announce my retirement."
Bonach joined CNO Financial Group as Chief Financial Officer in 2007 from National Life Group, where he served as executive
vice president and chief financial officer. Before joining National Life in 2002, he was with Allianz Life Insurance Company of
North America for 23 years, where his positions included President – Reinsurance Division and
Chief Financial Officer.
"Ed's accomplishments over the past 10 years at CNO are immeasurable," said Neal Schneider,
Chairman of the Board. "He has successfully increased shareholder value, delivered strong profitability, and has been unwavering
in his commitment for CNO to be the leader in meeting the needs of middle-income Americans for financial security and readiness
for the life of their retirement. He's leaving CNO a strong, thriving, focused and profitable insurance enterprise. We're also
pleased that Gary is well-positioned to seamlessly fill the CEO role, as CNO continues to expand and fulfill its
vision."
"I'm tremendously excited for this opportunity," Bhojwani added. "I strongly believe that CNO is uniquely qualified to meet
the needs of the middle-income market, our people are extremely talented, and our future is bright. I look forward to working
closely with our leaders, associates, agents and our Board to successfully deliver on our strategy to meet the needs and
expectations of our customers, our shareholders, and our communities."
Bhojwani joined CNO Financial Group in 2016. He served as a member of the Board of Management at Allianz SE, Chairman of
Allianz of America, Allianz Life Insurance Company, and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company from 2012 to 2015. From 2007 to 2012, he
served as President and CEO of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America.
About CNO Financial Group
CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) is a holding company. Our insurance subsidiaries – principally Bankers
Life and Casualty Company, Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company and Washington National Insurance Company – primarily serve
middle-income pre-retiree and retired Americans by helping them protect against financial adversity and provide for a more secure
retirement. For more information, visit CNO online at www.CNOinc.com.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ed-bonach-to-retire-as-ceo-of-cno-financial-group-gary-bhojwani-named-ceo-successor-and-to-cno-board-of-directors-300458720.html
SOURCE CNO Financial Group, Inc.