Mutual of Omaha CEO’s retirement takes effect on April 1
March 11, 2015 by Steve Jordan, World-Herald Staff Writer, steve.jordon@owh.com
Dan Neary will retire April 1 as CEO of Mutual of Omaha, the company said Tuesday. James Blackledge will succeed him, part of a plan announced in November.
Neary joined Mutual as an actuary in 1975 and, except for a brief time at a New York insurance company, spent his career at Mutual, becoming president in 2003 and chairman and CEO in 2004. He will remain chairman.
Blackledge, also an actuary, joined Mutual in 1989 and in November was named president and designated as the next CEO.
Under Neary’s leadership, Mutual:
>> Built Midtown Crossing, a residential/retail development that boosted the area around Mutual’s home office at 36th and Dodge Streets.
>> Focused on core insurance products.
>> Started Mutual of Omaha Bank and the Mutual of Omaha Foundation.
>> Had steady growth and record financial results.