Life insurance company leaders react to being featured in Forbes

Person on a video call, writing on a desk.
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Forbes recently released its annual list of the World's Best Life Insurance Companies

More than 30,000 people in 15 countries were surveyed by Statista, a market research firm, in a partnership with Forbes. Participants who had a life insurance policy in the past three years were asked if they would recommend their insurer. The companies with the highest scores made the final list. An assortment of large national insurance companies and smaller regional insurers are featured on the list.

David Brewer, CEO of U.K.-based life insurance brokerage Protect Line, was unsurprised by the range in size of the companies on the list. 

"In my experience, it's all about the customer journey from beginning to end," he said. "Making sure that the customer is given the right advice and feels comfortable with their policy and premium, and being able to guide them through the process of making a claim with compassion, is how companies make the list. Fulfilling their core mission and paying attention to the smallest of details is what elevates them to the top of the Forbes list."

Digital Insurance reached out to some of the insurers in the U.S. to ask how such a ranking impacts their business. Six responded in time for publication.

1. Bestow

Bestow CEO and co-founder Melbourne O'Banion
Bestow
"Being named the No. 1 life insurance company by Forbes is a huge honor, and we're so proud of everyone at Bestow for this accomplishment. Not only does this award acknowledge the incredible direct-to-consumer product we've created, but it is also a recognition of our efforts to change the entire insurance industry by becoming a SaaS enterprise partner to legacy life insurance carriers." —Melbourne O'Banion, CEO and co-founder

2. Thrivent

Thrivent President and Chief Commercial Officer Mary Jane Fortin
Thrivent
"As a diversified financial services company, Thrivent helps clients achieve financial clarity so they can live lives full of meaning and gratitude. Our network of premier financial advisers builds strong relationships with clients by delivering purpose-based advice through every stage of life. Our clients are also drawn to the work we do to support them as they engage in acts of generosity that make a positive difference in their communities. We're honored to be named on the Forbes World's Best Life Insurance Companies 2023 list as recognition of the strength of our financial solutions, the deep relationships we have with our clients and the impact we make in communities across the country." —Mary Jane Fortin, President/CCO

6. American Family Insurance

"American Family Life Insurance Company is committed to protecting the financial security of our customers. We are very proud that our customers' satisfaction is recognized in the Forbes World's Best Life Insurance Companies list.  A focus on simplifying the purchase and service process is critically important to our customers and we remain dedicated to delivering on this and their other expectations." —Janet Masters, spokesperson

7. Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual vice president of risk products Jason Handal
LinkedIn
"As a mutual company, everything we do is for the benefit of our policyowners. So, it's an honor to be included on Forbes' list of The World's Best Life Insurance Companies because it reflects the responses of our clients." —Jason Handal, vice president of risk products at Northwestern Mutual

9. Legal and General America

Legal and General America CEO Mark Holweger
Legal and General America
"Legal & General America is very pleased to be included on Forbes' list of the world's best life insurance companies. We're committed to continual innovation to provide a quick, seamless experience for our advisors and customers, along with one of the most affordable products in the marketplace to help ensure that as many Americans as possible can protect their families through term life insurance. Our inclusion on the list is testament to the innovation, hard work and commitment from our team every day." —Mark Holweger, CEO

14. Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha chief information officer Mike Lechtenberger
University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering
"We're honored to be recognized on the Forbes list of the World's Best Life Insurance Companies. Consumers have so many choices when it comes to insurance and financial services. At Mutual of Omaha, we know customers want a convenient, simple experience, and we're embracing digital transformation in order to exceed those expectations. Our talented team and innovative culture enable us to continue enhancing our products and services to meet our customers' needs – now and in the years to come." —Mike Lechtenberger, chief information officer
Pacific Life, MassMutual, USAA, AAA Insurance, 5 Star Life, Erie Insurance, State Farm, Aflac and Modern Woodmen did not respond in time for publication.