Sammons Financial Group has named President Rob TeKolste as its next Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. TeKolste will assume both roles on January 1, 2027. Current Chairman and CEO Esfand Dinshaw will retire at the end of 2026 following a 27-year career with Sammons, including 16 years as CEO.
Dinshaw will remain a member of the company’s board following his retirement.
TeKolste has worked at Sammons for 25 years and has led several areas of the organization. He became President in January 2026 and has since worked with Dinshaw and leaders across the company’s five business lines to prepare for the transition.
The company said its long-term strategy will remain unchanged under TeKolste’s leadership. Sammons plans to continue investing in its businesses, distribution relationships and employee-ownership culture.
During Dinshaw’s tenure, Sammons expanded from a life insurance and annuity provider into a diversified financial services company serving approximately two million customers.
Its businesses now span life insurance, annuities, retirement solutions, wealth management and preneed insurance.
KEY QUOTES:
“Together, our employee owners transformed this organization into a diversified financial services enterprise while remaining grounded in our values and our commitment to long-term stewardship.”
Esfand Dinshaw, Chairman and CEO of Sammons Financial Group
“Our strategy remains unchanged. We will continue to invest in our businesses, serve our customers and distribution partners, and preserve the employee ownership culture that has long differentiated Sammons Financial Group.”
Rob TeKolste, President and Incoming CEO and Chairman of Sammons Financial Group
