White 'uniquely qualified' as new Aflac U.S. president

Aflac Inc., the largest seller of supplemental health insurance, named Teresa White as president of U.S. operations.

White was chief operating officer and will continue to report to Kenneth Janke, who was previously president of Aflac U.S., and is returning full time to his role as deputy chief financial officer, the Columbus, Georgia-based insurer said Tuesday.

Shortly before the announcement, White spoke in a keynote speech at EBA's Workplace Benefits Summit, addressing the importance of benefits education and communication.

Also see: “Benefits education, communication paramount during the coming year

Brokers, advisers and consultants play a major role in educating employees, White said during her Monday talk. Anything that can be done to build employees’ confidence regarding benefits decisions is positive for both the worker and employer.

“Engagement is the name of the game,” she said.

Industry response

Reacting to the news, EBA columnist Jack Kwicien of Daymark Advisors says the promotion is "teriffic for her personally."

She is "uniquely qualified," Kwicien says, adding that through her career path at Aflac, with the "number of chairs she's sat in, she understands all aspects of the Aflac structure and organizational capabilities."

Aflac made a great choice, adds Rob Shestack, SVP and voluntary national practice leader for AmWINS Group. "Aflac is a leading carrier and, along with others, has lead the effort to grow the voluntary industry," he says. "I think she’ll do a great job. Aflac doesn’t make bad choices.”

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