# Kirt Walker

> Kirt Walker is Nationwide’s chief executive, appointed in October 2019 after joining its family of companies in 1986. Raised on an Iowa Century Farm, he led property and casualty operations and spent a decade leading Nationwide Financial. His public leadership framework centers on people, planning, performance and partnerships.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer at Nationwide
- **Organizations:** Nationwide, Allied Insurance, Nationwide Financial, Columbus Partnership, The Institutes, Catalyst, Iowa State University Ivy College of Business, American Red Cross (former Board of Governors member), White Castle (former board member)
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts in management, Iowa State University, Master of Science in management, emphasis in leadership, The American College of Financial Services
- **Known for:** Selected as Nationwide CEO after 33 years with its family of companies., Led Nationwide Financial for a decade before becoming enterprise CEO., Previously recognized as CEO of the Year by Des Moines Business Journal and as an Honored Ally by Stonewall Columbus.

## Career timeline

- **1986** — Joined the Nationwide family of companies.
- **2003** — Became president of Allied Insurance.
- **2006** — Became president of Nationwide Insurance Eastern Operations.
- **2008** — Became president of Nationwide Insurance Exclusive Operations.
- **2009** — Served as president and COO of Nationwide Insurance before moving into leadership of Nationwide Financial.
- **2019** — Succeeded Steve Rasmussen as Nationwide CEO on October 1.
- **2023** — Became co-chair of the Columbus Partnership governing board.
- **2026** — Led Nationwide during its centennial year.

## Achievements

- Selected as Nationwide CEO after 33 years with its family of companies.
- Led Nationwide Financial for a decade before becoming enterprise CEO.
- Previously recognized as CEO of the Year by Des Moines Business Journal and as an Honored Ally by Stonewall Columbus.
- Nationwide reported $73.2 billion in total sales and premiums for 2025, its fifth consecutive year of record growth.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Thanked Nationwide employees after the company reported more than 100,000 volunteer hours during its centennial year.
- **2026-06** — Announced Nationwide’s minority investment in the Columbus Crew ownership group.
- **2026-04** — Nationwide reported 2025 total sales and premiums of $73.2 billion and net operating income of $4.29 billion.
- **2026-01** — Shared a letter marking Nationwide’s centennial and thanking partners and communities.

## Links

- Website: https://www.nationwide.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirtwalker

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