2015 Actuarial Science Alumnus: Chris Freese

B.S. Mathematics and Statistics 1993

Chief Risk Officer, US Insurance Solutions Business Unit, The Principal Financial Group

Chris Freese earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Statistics in 1993 (prior to Purdue offering an Actuarial Science degree).  After graduating, Chris joined the Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Iowa as an actuarial student.  Studying for and passing all of the exams, Chris obtained his Fellowship from the Society of Actuaries in 1997. He is also a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. 

The Principal Financial Group is a global financial services company headquartered in Des Moines specializing in asset accumulation businesses in addition to traditional group and individual protection insurance products. The Principal Financial Group has $530 billion of assets under management. Chris has served in a number of roles at the Principal Financial Group as an actuary by participation in Principal’s actuarial rotation program. This program is designed to allow employees to rotate through different areas of the company to further development before committing to one path. 

Chris currently serves as the Chief Risk Officer for the US Insurance Solutions business unit which includes Individual Life and Group Non-Medical Employee Benefits.  Chris was named to this role in 2014.  Previously, Chris served as the Chief Actuary for Principal Financial Group from 2008-2014.  Chris’ prior experience also includes time in Principal Global Investors from 1998-2008 which is Principals institutional asset management business unit.  Chris also served as Managing Director for structured finance while in Principal Global Investors which was part of the fixed income department.

Chris is the recipient of the 2015 Purdue University Department of Actuarial Science Outstanding Alumni Award.

November 2016