-
Senior Vice President, New Markets
- Athene (West Des Moines, IA)
-
We are driven to do more. More for our customers and the financial professionals who offer our products. If you are driven to do more and love the challenge of pursuing more, Athene is your kind of company. You will find we offer more than the basics to create an inclusive and dynamic work environment at our various locations.
Purpose:
The Senior Vice President (SVP), New Markets is responsible for overseeing and driving Athene’s next phase of strategic growth through leadership of three emerging business verticals: Defined Contribution, Structured Settlements, and Stable Value. This role will help shape the vision, support strategy development, manage execution, and drive performance across these lines of business—converting innovation into measurable financial results and long-term value for the firm.The SVP will work closely with Athene’s Co-President and Chief Commercial Officer, as well as senior leaders across Strategy and Innovation, Product, Distribution, Operations, Finance, and Apollo’s FIG and New Markets team, to capitalize on untapped market opportunities and transform how the firm delivers retirement income and capital protection solutions.
Accountabilities:
Strategic Leadership and Business Growth
+ Oversee the vision and strategic direction for the firm’s Defined Contribution, Structured Settlements, Stable Value business lines, while also shaping the strategic approach for any potential new markets the firm may pursue in the future.
+ Drive growth through clear business plans, go-to-market strategies, and financial execution.
+ Align cross-functional resources and senior stakeholders around multi-year goals and performance priorities.
+ Ensure all activities support firm-wide objectives and contribute to long-term, profitable growth.
Market Engagement and Sales Enablement
+ Work with distribution leadership to develop partner/channel strategies for market entry and scaling.
+ Contribute to brand building and thought leadership in new markets through active industry engagement.
+ Ensure internal teams are equipped with the tools, training, and content to drive adoption and customer success.
Product Innovation and Commercial Strategy
+ Lead product ideation, structuring, and development in each market vertical:
+ Defined Contribution (DC): Bring guaranteed retirement income to workplace savings plans (for example, via target date funds and managed accounts).
+ Structured Settlements (SS): Expand access to customized solutions for settlement recipients and legal consultants.
+ Stable Value (SV): Launch competitive capital-preservation solutions tailored for institutional and retirement markets.
+ Collaborate with actuarial, risk, marketing, operations, and legal teams across Athene and Apollo to ensure innovative and compliant product delivery.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
+ Build, lead, and develop high-performing teams with deep market and functional expertise.
+ Promote a collaborative, innovative culture that aligns with the firm’s values and performance expectations.
Operational Execution and Governance
+ Drive execution of product and business strategies by leading cross-functional programs with precision and discipline.
+ Establish performance metrics and reporting processes to monitor results and support accountability.
+ Promote strong governance, risk management, and compliance standards across all business activities.
Qualifications and Experience:
+ 15+ years of experience in financial services, with deep expertise in retirement markets, annuities, or life insurance.
+ Proven success launching and scaling new business lines within a large firm or fast-paced environment.
+ Experience in one or more of the following:
+ Defined Contribution platforms and retirement income strategies
+ Structured Settlements and legal settlement product markets
+ Stable Value investment and insurance products
+ Strong commercial mindset with the ability to translate strategy into execution across product, sales, and operations.
+ Ability to travel 25-50%, maintain a presence at significant industry conferences, and develop and support the new needs of the business.
+ Outstanding problem-solving skills, public speaking skills, exceptional writing skills as well as strong technical skills, including Excel, PowerPoint
+ Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
+ Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent), relevant licenses or designations (Series 6/7/63, RICP, ASA / FSA, CFA charter) are a plus.
Why Join Athene?This is a career-defining opportunity to lead the firm’s most ambitious growth initiatives, bringing new solutions to the retirement landscape. With the backing of Athene and Apollo, you’ll help shape the future of financial security for millions, while building innovative businesses from the ground up.
Annual Salary for this role is market competitive. Actual salary for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Depending on the role, a discretionary bonus plan or variable sales incentive may be included.
Drive. Discipline. Confidence. Focus. Commitment. Learn more about working at Athene (https://www.athene.com/about/usa-careers) .
Athene is a Military Friendly Employer! Learn more about how we support our Veterans (https://www.athene.com/our-veterans) .
Athene is committed to inclusion and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
-