Deanna Strable Elected Principal Board Chair, Succeeding Dan Houston.

Principal Financial Group has announced Deanna Strable as its new board chair, effective September 2, 2025. Strable succeeds Dan Houston, who will conclude his service on the board after serving as chair since 2016. Strable joined Principal in 1990 and has held various leadership positions, including CFO and CEO. The board has full confidence in Strable's leadership to accelerate the company's future growth while delivering value to customers and shareholders.

Principal Financial Group (PFG) has appointed Deanna Strable as its new board chair, effective September 2, 2025. Strable succeeds Dan Houston, who has served as chair since 2016 and will conclude his service on the board. Strable has been with Principal since 1990 and has held various leadership positions, including chief financial officer (CFO) and chief executive officer (CEO) [1].

Deanna Strable brings extensive experience to the role, having led Principal through significant growth and transformation. She joined the company as an actuarial assistant and rose through the ranks to become president of Benefits & Protection in 2015, chief financial officer from 2017-2024, and president and CEO since January 2025. Strable is also a member of the board of directors for Elevance Health, Inc., and Simpson College, and holds a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University. Her appointment is seen as a testament to her proven leadership and instrumental role in shaping Principal's growth strategy [1].

The board of directors expressed confidence in Strable's leadership, stating that she is well-positioned to accelerate the company's future growth while continuing to deliver exceptional value to customers and strong returns for shareholders [1]. Houston, who served as president and CEO from 2016 to 2025, praised Strable's leadership, noting that her exceptional skills have been instrumental in Principal's success [1].

Analysts have provided mixed evaluations of PFG's stock performance in recent months. While some analysts have raised their ratings, others have lowered their targets. The average 12-month price target for PFG is $83.2, with a high estimate of $101.00 and a low estimate of $72.00 [2]. Despite the mixed analyst sentiment, Principal's financial performance remains strong, with a net margin of 11.06%, a return on equity (ROE) of 3.59%, and a return on assets (ROA) of 0.13% [2].

Principal Financial Group, founded in 1875, is a global financial company with approximately 20,000 employees, offering a range of financial products and services, including retirement solutions, asset management, and workplace benefits and protection. The company has been recognized as one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies and a Best Places to Work in Money Management [1].

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/PFG/deanna-strable-elected-principal-board-2ckg1jpv9lwf.html
[2] https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/25/08/47185786/expert-outlook-principal-financial-group-through-the-eyes-of-10-analysts