NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic Financial Group (“Global Atlantic”), a leading insurance company meeting the retirement and life insurance needs of individuals and institutions, today announced that Chief Operations Officer Emily LeMay and Chief Distribution Officer Jason Bickler have been appointed Co-Heads, Individual Markets, effective immediately. Ms. LeMay and Mr. Bickler will report to Rob Arena, Co-President of Global Atlantic.

Global Atlantic’s Individual Markets business has experienced significant growth since its formation following the acquisition of Forethought Life Insurance Company in 2014. In the ensuing 10 years, it has become a market leader delivering both annuity and preneed solutions that help clients and policyholders plan for their retirement or end of life needs.

Rob Arena, Co-President of Global Atlantic, said, “The appointments of Emily and Jason as Co-Heads of Individual Markets bring extensive experience and a complementary combination of distribution and operations expertise that will drive our business forward. This new dual leadership model will enable us to build on our leading position in partnership with KKR, and enhance and deepen our capabilities to serve clients and policyholders.”

Emily LeMay brings over 20 years of industry experience, including more than seven years at Global Atlantic, to her expanded role. Under Ms. LeMay’s leadership as the firm’s Chief Operations Officer, the company undertook a complex, multi-year investment to transform the operating model supporting its Individual Markets business, resulting in the delivery of a compelling service experience for clients and policyholders while creating greater scale and efficiency. Ms. LeMay began her career at MetLife, rising within the organization to assume various leadership roles, including Operations and Customer Experience Strategy for the U.S. and Latin America. Ms. LeMay currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Insured Retirement Institute’s (IRI’s) Digital First Initiative.

Jason Bickler brings over 35 years of sales and distribution experience, including 10 years at Global Atlantic, to his expanded role. As Chief Distribution Officer, Mr. Bickler has been the architect of Global Atlantic’s multi-product, solutions-based distribution model. He has also continued to champion innovation in the distribution industry by leveraging technology and data to enhance client centricity while continuing to drive sales growth. Mr. Bickler began his career as an actuary at Allstate, assuming roles of increasing leadership responsibility including product design, relationship management, direct sales and sales leadership.

About Global Atlantic

Global Atlantic Financial Group is a leading insurance company meeting the retirement and life insurance needs of individuals and institutions. With a strong financial foundation and risk and investment management expertise, the company delivers tailored solutions to create more secure financial futures. The company’s performance has been driven by its culture and core values focused on integrity, teamwork, and the importance of building long-term client relationships. Global Atlantic is a wholly owned subsidiary of KKR, a leading global investment firm. Through its relationship, the company leverages KKR’s investment capabilities, scale and access to capital markets to enhance the value it offers clients. KKR’s parent company is KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR).

Global Atlantic Financial Group (Global Atlantic) is the marketing name for The Global Atlantic Financial Group LLC and its subsidiaries, including Accordia Life and Annuity Company, Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Company, Forethought Life Insurance Company and Global Atlantic Re Limited. Each subsidiary is responsible for its own financial and contractual obligations. These subsidiaries are not authorized to do business in New York.