Nationwide’s Eric Henderson Steps Down from Annuity Business after Record Sales and Innovative Leadership

At Nationwide, the head of the annuity business, Eric Henderson, is stepping down after over 35 years with the company. He has led the annuity team since 2007 and currently serves as president of Nationwide Annuity. Under his leadership, the annuity business has experienced three consecutive record sales years and is now Nationwide’s most profitable business line.

Henderson started his career at Nationwide as an actuarial assistant in 1985 and held positions of increasing responsibility before taking on leadership of the annuity team in 2007. He will continue to lead the team until his retirement and will help ensure a smooth transition when his successor is named. During his tenure, he oversaw all aspects of the company’s individual annuity segment, including product innovation, sales and distribution.

John Carter, president and COO of Nationwide Financial, praised Henderson’s resiliency and courage in managing risk and leading teams through challenging economic conditions and turbulent markets. When headwinds impacted the variable annuity business during the pandemic, Henderson quickly pivoted focus to fixed products and achieved nearly $10 billion in sales in 2023.

Carter also highlighted Henderson’s ability to recruit and develop high-performing leadership teams and organizations. He serves as a board member on the Insured Retirement Institute and the LIMRA Annuity Executive Advisory Board.

Nationwide will conduct both internal and external searches for a replacement for Henderson’s position as head of its annuity business.