CNO Financial Group has elevated two executives to senior vice president positions as part of changes to its leadership structure.
Steve Janoson (pictured above, left) has been named senior vice president of direct and independent distribution, while Rachel Spehler (pictured above, right) assumes the role of senior vice president, deputy general counsel and Secretary. Both promotions have taken effect immediately.
Janoson previously served as vice president of direct and independent distribution since 2020. His tenure with the company began in 2014, during which he held various finance roles, including vice president of financial planning and analysis for the Colonial Penn brand.
Scott Goldberg, president of the consumer division, said Janoson's work has supported the growth of the company's direct and independent channels. "He is a highly capable leader with a proven track record of delivering new programs to the market while effectively managing across the enterprise," Goldberg said.
Goldberg added that Janoson and his team have contributed to the performance of the Colonial Penn, Washington National and Bankers Life brands.
Read more: CNO Financial income up by 16% in Q3 2025
Spehler has served as vice president, deputy general counsel and secretary since 2020. She has also held the position of general counsel of CNO Bermuda Re since 2023. She joined CNO in 2016 as vice president, deputy general counsel and chief compliance officer of 40|86 Advisors, the company's wholly owned registered investment advisor.
Matthew Zimpfer, general counsel, said Spehler has provided leadership in legal strategy and corporate governance. "Her ability to guide our organization through complex regulatory matters has contributed significantly to CNO's success," Zimpfer said.
The promotions come amid a period of financial momentum for the company. CNO reported third-quarter 2025 results that showed net income rising to $23.1 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, up from $9.3 million in Q3 2024. Operating earnings per share reached $1.29, exceeding analyst expectations.
In October 2025, the company exited the fee services segment of its worksite division to sharpen its focus on insurance offerings.
