Northwestern Mutual: CEO among highest rated CEOs of 2015

MILWAUKEE — Northwestern Mutual Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John E. Schlifske has been named one of the ten highest rated CEOs in the U.S. by Glassdoor – an online career and workplace community. This is the third year in a row Schlifske has appeared in Glassdoor’s top ten.

Schlifske received a 95 percent approval rating from Northwestern Mutual employees and members of the company’s field force of financial representatives who participated in Glassdoor’s annual “50 Highest Rated CEOs” report released June 9. Glassdoor calculates CEO approval ratings similar to Presidential approval ratings by asking employees a simple question: ‘Do you approve or disapprove of the way your CEO is leading the company?’

Schlifske joins other prominent CEOs in the top ten: Larry Page, Google; Mark Parker, Nike; Charles Butt, HEB; Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook; Scott Scherrer, Ultimate Solutions; Hugh Grant, Monsanto; Lloyd Blankfein, Goldman Sachs; Glenn Johnson, Insight Global; and Tim Cook, Apple.

“More than recognition for me, this really reflects the strength and commitment of the entire Northwestern Mutual community,” said Schlifske. “Our employees and field representatives are the driving force behind our success throughout our nearly 160-year history, and I’m honored to work side-by-side them every day.”

The Glassdoor recognition comes on the heels of a record-breaking 2014 for Northwestern Mutual that included the announcement of the highest dividend payout to policyowners in the company’s history expected to exceed $5.5 billion in 2015 – more than three times its nearest competitor. Additionally, as demand grows for Northwestern Mutual’s distinctive approach to providing financial guidance, the company achieved record levels of revenue, assets and surplus in 2014. Northwestern Mutual also continued to receive the highest possible financial strength ratings awarded to any U.S. life insurer by all four of the major credit rating agencies.[i]

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for nearly 160 years. Our financial representatives build relationships with clients through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation and distribution. With $230 billion in assets, $27 billion in revenues, nearly $90 billion in assets under management in our investment products and services, and more than $1.5 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to 4.3 million people who rely on us for insurance and investment solutions, including life, disability income and long-term care insurance; annuities; trust services; mutual funds; and investment advisory products and services. Northwestern Mutual is recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2015.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a comprehensive approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, life insurance with long-term care benefits, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company.