Eric Henderson, the head of Nationwide’s annuity business, is set to retire at the end of the year after nearly four decades with the company. Henderson has led Nationwide’s annuity team since 2007 and has been president of Nationwide Annuity since 2019. During his tenure, he has overseen a record sales streak that has made annuities Nationwide’s most profitable business line.
Henderson began his career at Nationwide as an actuarial assistant in 1985 and rose through the ranks to lead the annuity team. He will continue to lead the team until his retirement and help ensure a smooth transition when his successor is named. Under his leadership, Nationwide’s annuity business grew to produce $150 billion in sales between 2007 and 2023, making it one of the largest in the industry.
Nationwide Financial praised Henderson for his resilience and courage in managing risk and leading teams through challenging economic conditions and turbulent markets. During the pandemic, he shifted focus to fixed products, resulting in nearly $10 billion in fixed annuity sales in 2023 when others were forced to exit their business lines.
John Carter, president and COO of Nationwide Financial, highlighted Henderson’s ability to build high-performing and inclusive leadership teams that are well positioned to lead the annuity business for years to come. In addition to his role at Nationwide Financial, Henderson serves as a board member on the Insured Retirement Institute and LIMRA Annuity Executive Advisory Board.