Donald G. Southwell served as the Chairman, President, and CEO of Kemper Corporation from 2008 until 2015. He has a strong background in the insurance industry, having been with Kemper since 1996, where he began as the head of the...

Donald G. Southwell served as the Chairman, President, and CEO of Kemper Corporation from 2008 until 2015. He has a strong background in the insurance industry, having been with Kemper since 1996, where he began as the head of the Kemper Life and Health Insurance Group. Interestingly, he had initially planned to retire at age 65, and announced his retirement a year in advance. His tenure was marked by ups and downs, and during 2015, his total compensation reached about $3.25 million, primarily from his base salary and performance-based bonuses focused on company growth metrics. Although he dealt with some challenges, Southwell was proactive in aligning his compensation with the long-term interests of Kemper's shareholders, tying much of it to strategic performance goals. He also saw significant stakes in the company, with a value estimated at over $862,000 at one point, showing a personal commitment to the business. Southwell's leadership style emphasized accountability and performance, making him a notable figure in the boardroom, especially during his transition of power within the company.