CEO
WESTERN NATIONAL INSURANCE GROUP
Stu Henderson says there’s no secret formula behind his success in insurance. Like most things in life, he says, “work hard and do the right thing, and success will come to you.” He says working on “varied and interesting things with great people to serve the higher purpose of putting customers’ lives back together after a tragedy” has kept him in the industry for 35 years and counting.
Henderson began his career in 1986 as claims counsel at Farm Family Mutual Insurance Company. He earned his CPCU and was promoted to chief claims officer for P&C and life/health/disability, then COO for P&C operations. In 1999, he went on to manage underwriting operations for Gerling Global Reinsurance Corporation of America before assuming the role of general manager of fronting/program business at its subsidiary, Constitution Re.
Henderson joined Western National Mutual Insurance Company in 2001 as president and CEO. He led Western National to become an A+-rated, multiline super-regional company with more than $815 million in total premiums and $680 million in surplus. Western National was a Ward’s Top 50 company for 15 years and has received awards for business ethics, workplace flexibility and employee satisfaction. It was named Company of the Year by the Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association, which also named Henderson Executive of the Year.
