In April, National Guardian Life Insurance Company announced that Joseph (Joe) Celentano will serve as president and CEO, effective May 6. He will also serve on the NGLIC Board of Directors. Kim Shaul, who served as interim CEO, will return to her position as executive vice president and chief legal officer.

Celentano is an experienced life insurance industry professional with more than 30 years in leadership positions at Pacific Life. During this time, he held a variety of roles, ranging from product development officer to divisional CFO to enterprise-wide chief risk officer.

In addition, Celentano’s experience includes co-chairing the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; leading digital transformation efforts; and participating in setting overall company strategy. “I am honored to lead NGLIC and become part of the team,” said Celentano. “The company’s strong financials, leading position in the preneed market and mutual company culture make it poised for future success.”

In other news, NGLIC formed a new partnership with Live Oak Bank to provide financing solutions that will help NGLIC customers with acquisitions and expansions. Funeral service professionals interested in growing their current business will be able to utilize the value of their preneed business to potentially improve the rate and terms of their financial package.

Leading the new lending initiative at NGLIC is 37-year funeral industry veteran Kenn Peterson, vice president of business and lending development. “This new value-added benefit for our funeral home partners is beneficial for those who are looking to help more families and grow their business through acquisitions and expansions,” shared Peterson. nglic.com