# Eric Steigerwalt

> Eric T. Steigerwalt is president and CEO of Charlotte-based Brighthouse Financial. A Drew University economics graduate and former MetLife finance and U.S. Retail executive, he led Brighthouse through its 2017 separation and Nasdaq listing. His work also includes an independent directorship at FTI Consulting and the proposed acquisition of Brighthouse by an Aquarian Capital affiliate.

- **Role:** President and Chief Executive Officer at Brighthouse Financial
- **Organizations:** Brighthouse Financial, MetLife, Equitable Companies, Fossett Corporation, FTI Consulting, Brighthouse Financial Foundation, Brighthouse Scholar Connections, Inc., American Council of Life Insurers
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts in economics, Drew University
- **Known for:** Led Brighthouse Financial through its separation from MetLife and independent Nasdaq listing in 2017., Helped manage operational work for MetLife’s demutualization and IPO., Became MetLife’s first head of investor relations.

## Career timeline

- **Before 1998** — Worked in finance at Equitable Companies and as a derivatives trader at Fossett Corporation.
- **1998** — Joined MetLife, working on operational aspects of its demutualization and IPO; subsequently became its first head of investor relations.
- **2003-2007** — Chief financial officer of MetLife’s Individual Business.
- **2007-2009** — MetLife treasurer.
- **2009-2011** — Chief financial officer of MetLife’s U.S. business.
- **2011-2012** — MetLife interim chief financial officer.
- **2012-2017** — Executive vice president of MetLife’s U.S. Retail business.
- **2016** — Appointed president and CEO of Brighthouse Financial before separation.
- **2017** — Led Brighthouse into independence and its August 7 Nasdaq trading debut.
- **2025** — Elected independent director of FTI Consulting, effective March 25.

## Achievements

- Led Brighthouse Financial through its separation from MetLife and independent Nasdaq listing in 2017.
- Helped manage operational work for MetLife’s demutualization and IPO.
- Became MetLife’s first head of investor relations.
- Elected an independent director of FTI Consulting in 2025.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — Brighthouse reported second-quarter annuity sales of $2.4 billion. Its August 5 release said the proposed Aquarian merger remained subject to insurance approvals in Delaware, New York and Massachusetts.
- **2026-08** — Delaware’s insurance department described its review of Aquarian’s proposed acquisition of control of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company on August 17.
- **2026-02** — Brighthouse common stockholders approved the Aquarian merger agreement on February 12.
- **2025-11** — Brighthouse announced the proposed $4.1 billion Aquarian transaction, with Steigerwalt expected to remain CEO after closing.
- **2025-03** — FTI Consulting elected him an independent director effective March 25.

## Links

- Website: https://www.brighthousefinancial.com/about-us/senior-leadership
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erictsteigerwalt

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/eric-steigerwalt
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21