Sammons Financial Names Rob TeKolste Next CEO, Chairman 

Sammons Financial Group President Rob TeKolste will become CEO and chairman of the board on Jan. 1, 2027, as part of a planned leadership transition intended to support the company’s long-term growth strategy. 

TeKolste will succeed Esfand Dinshaw, who will retire at the end of 2026 after 27 years with Sammons Financial, including 16 years as CEO. Dinshaw will remain on the company’s board following his retirement. 

“Serving as CEO of Sammons Financial Group has been the greatest privilege of my professional career,” Dinshaw said. “Together, our employee owners transformed this organization into a diversified financial services enterprise while remaining grounded in our values and our commitment to long-term stewardship.” 

TeKolste has worked at Sammons Financial for 25 years and has led several areas of the organization. He became president in January 2026 and has since worked with Dinshaw and executives across the company’s five business lines to prepare for the transition. 

“Our strategy remains unchanged,” TeKolste said. “We will continue to invest in our businesses, serve our customers and distribution partners, and preserve the employee ownership culture that has long differentiated Sammons Financial Group.”  

During Dinshaw’s tenure, Sammons Financial expanded beyond its roots as a life insurance and annuity provider into a diversified financial services company serving 2 million customers. 

Its businesses now span life insurance, annuities, retirement solutions, wealth management and preneed insurance. The company said it also strengthened its financial position and expanded its portfolio under Dinshaw’s leadership.  

Sammons Financial said it will continue focusing on innovation, disciplined growth and long-term value creation for customers, distribution partners and employee owners. 

Pictured l to r: Rob TeKolste and Esfand Dinshaw