Kemper names C. Thomas Evans, Jr., as Interim CEO as Lacher steps down

US-based insurer Kemper Corporation has appointed C. Thomas Evans, Jr., the current Executive Vice President (EVP), Secretary, and General Counsel, to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as Joseph P. Lacher, Jr. steps down.

Lacher departs the roles of President and CEO after nearly a decade, and will conclude his service on Kemper’s Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Lacher will remain with Kemper in an advisory capacity through the end of the year to support the transition process. Meanwhile, the Board has established a search committee and initiated a comprehensive process to hire its next CEO.

Evans has deep knowledge of Kemper’s business, having served in multiple leadership roles since joining in 1992. Prior to that, he was in private practice at Winston & Strawn, focusing on corporate and commercial litigation.

Gerry Laderman, Chairman of the Board, commented, “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Joe for a decade of dedicated leadership at Kemper and his support throughout this transition. We appreciate his guidance through challenging periods, including the extraordinary disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we wish him all the best.

“Looking ahead, the Board will identify the best CEO to lead Kemper into its next chapter of profitable growth. We are also confident in the team’s ability to execute on our strategic priorities and successfully navigate this period of transition. We believe in the strength of our core businesses and remain committed to delivering long-term value for our shareholders, continuing to build our culture, and deepening our connection to the communities we serve.”

Lacher said, “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of Kemper for the past 10 years. I want to thank our employees, customers, investors, and the Board for their support throughout my tenure. I look forward to seeing what Kemper will achieve in this next phase. I have full confidence in the business, its people, and its potential to deliver sustained, profitable growth.”

Evans added, “Kemper has been my professional home for more than three decades, and I look forward to working closely with the Board and management team as we navigate this transition. While we are operating in a dynamic environment, I’m confident that our solid foundation and competitive advantages position us for long-term success. We look forward to providing a financial update during our third-quarter earnings call in early November.”