Neal Sample Email Address

Board of Directors Member and Chair of Compensation and Governance Committee and Audit Committee Member

The Northwestern Mutual is a financial security company that provides life insurance, disability income, investments etc and consultation services.

As a forward-thinking technologist, strategic operations leader, and innovative product developer, I deliver unique perspective on “what’s possible” and leverage technology and digital solutions to “bring the new” to large companies – creating faster businesses, nimble operations, cutting edge products, efficient processes, and connected consumers. My background includes more than 20 years of broad and deep experience accelerating business opportunities and building opportunities in highly regulated industries and through a range of business phases from Silicon Valley startups to legacy Fortune 100s. Throughout my career, I have leveraged a continuous improvement mindset to formulate modernization plans, implement technology solutions, accelerate growth, navigate M&A due diligence and transition, and redefine standards of operational excellence. A true partner to the business and member of the executive team, I have been trusted to lead through some of the most significant industry and organizational transformations to date, including the Northwest Mutual’s global transition virtual working and the sale of Express Scripts to Cigna (the industry’s largest acquisition in 2018). Dedicated to optimizing my leadership positioning for positive impact, I have engaged in a variety of thought leadership activities throughout my career, including speaking at dozens of global forums, authoring various published works, and inventing more than a dozen patented products. I am a current and past member of a variety of public, private, and nonprofit boards and committees and I am passionate about building talent pipelines, paving progressive career paths, and positively impacting communities. I bring an inherent global mindset with extensive experience working for global companies, leading international teams and partnerships, and driving infrastructure and development work across several regions of the world. As a leader, I foster cultural sensitivity and global competence among teams and have been instrumental in the development of organizational programs focused on expanding and promoting diversity at all levels and functions. I enjoy networking with other professionals and look forward to connecting here on LinkedIn.