Get ready for an exciting leadership transition at Empower Annuity Insurance Co. of America! A proven leader, Joe Smolen, has been promoted to President of Workplace Solutions, effective January 21st.
Smolen, formerly Empower's Executive Vice President and head of core and institutional market segments, will now oversee the organization's growth, product development, relationship management, and strategy. But here's where it gets controversial: some might question whether Smolen's experience in sales will translate effectively to this new role. What do you think?
Ken Munro, previously Empower's Senior Vice President and National Sales Director, will step into Smolen's former position, continuing to report to him. Smolen, in turn, will report to Rich Linton, Empower's President and Chief Operating Officer, while Edmund Murphy remains President and CEO.
"Joe is a leader who consistently delivers results with a client-centric approach," Linton stated. "His expertise in workplace retirement and ability to lead high-performing teams make him an ideal fit for this role."
Smolen's journey with Empower began in 1999 as a Regional Sales Director, and he was named leader of the core markets segment in 2017, adding mid-markets to his portfolio in 2024. Additionally, he recently served as the governing board chair for the Society of Professional Asset Managers and Recordkeepers, a one-year role that further showcases his leadership capabilities.
As of September 30, 2025, Empower's Workplace Solutions business boasts an impressive record, serving over 61,000 employer-sponsored retirement plans with more than 18.8 million participants and administering approximately $1.9 trillion in assets.
This promotion is a testament to Smolen's leadership skills and his ability to drive growth and innovation. But this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the individual, it's about the team and the culture they foster. How do you think Smolen's leadership style will shape Empower's future? Share your thoughts in the comments!
