New leaders appointed across annuity, wealth management, and corporate development teams
Sammons Financial Group today announced a strategic evolution of its leadership team and structure to advance the company’s plans for growth. Effective January 1, 2026, industry veteran Rob TeKolste will assume the role President, Sammons Financial Group, reporting to the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Esfand Dinshaw. In his new role, TeKolste will oversee the company’s five core business units — the Life Insurance Group, Sammons Independent Annuity Group, Sammons Institutional Group, Corporate Markets, and the newly established Sammons Wealth Management — as well as Corporate Development and Operations.
“As we build upon a strong 2025 and look ahead to the next phase of our growth, this new structure allows us to move faster, scale smarter, and continue to deliver on behalf of our agents, advisors, distribution partners, customers, and employee-owners,” said Esfand Dinshaw, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sammons Financial Group. “Rob is a proven leader with deep operational expertise and a strong track record of performance.”
TeKolste joined Sammons Financial Group in 1999 and has since moved throughout the leadership ranks heading multiple areas from marketing, sales and distribution, shared services, and more. “Rob’s continued focus will be to simultaneously grow our core business lines while thoughtfully exploring diversification opportunities in the greater financial services space,” Dinshaw added.
“It is exciting to be part of Sammons Financial Group today,” said TeKolste. “We have strong momentum across our traditional life insurance-based businesses, as we aggressively expand into the wealth management and wealth advisor industries. I’m honored to lead our teams to execute on a strategy to grow our core and selectively expand into adjacent areas that align with our strengths and purpose.”
Esfand Dinshaw continues to serve as Sammons Financial Group Chairman and CEO. The Corporate Services, Investment Management, and Legal & Compliance functions will continue to report to him in this revised corporate structure. “While leadership is shifting, our purpose and foundation are unchanged,” Dinshaw said. “Our core strategy remains clear: drive sustainable growth and deliver exceptional value. As an employee-owned company, our success is shared — and together, we are building upon our strengths, talent, and preparation for our next chapter.”
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