Trustmark Mutual Holding Company Names John Anderson President & CEO, Completing Planned Leadership Transition

LAKE FOREST, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of national employee benefits provider Trustmark Mutual Holding Company (Trustmark) has named John Anderson President & CEO, completing the previously announced leadership transition. Anderson succeeds Kevin Slawin, who has retired after more than six years as Trustmark CEO. Slawin will continue to serve on Trustmark’s Board. The announcement was made by Trustmark Board Chairman David Weick.

“This has been a seamless transition,” said Weick, noting that Anderson has a long history of success at Trustmark over a career spanning more than 30 years, most recently as Trustmark President. “John embodies the best of what Trustmark is and can be,” said Weick. “He is committed to Trustmark’s mission, serves as an example of the company’s caring and community-focused culture, and consistently delivers outstanding results.” Weick added, “Looking ahead, John brings extensive knowledge of Trustmark’s markets and customers and a strategic vision to continue and even accelerate Trustmark’s growth trajectory.”

Slawin joined the Trustmark Board in 2016 and assumed the role of President and CEO in 2018.

During Slawin’s tenure, Trustmark successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, achieved record earnings, and significantly increased capital and surplus. From a business perspective, Slawin directed capital to aggressively grow Trustmark’s Voluntary Benefits business, refocused its HealthFitness subsidiary on its strength in on-site fitness management, and invested in enhancing the customer experience in Small Business Benefits. In 2022, Trustmark sold its large-group TPA business to Health Care Service Corporation. The proceeds enabled investments in people and technology to strengthen Trustmark’s competitive position. In addition, the company increased funding to its charitable arm, the Trustmark Foundation, to extend greater support to communities where associates live and work.

“The Board – and I on a personal level – cannot thank Kevin enough,” said Weick. “When we look back on the pace of change and the achievements of the past six years, it’s remarkable. Trustmark’s financial foundation is the strongest it’s ever been, and the company is innovating and expanding its product offerings. With what Kevin accomplished and with John as the new CEO, Trustmark is arguably in the best position in its long history.”

Anderson, 57, joined Trustmark in 1990, quickly assuming roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as lead actuary for Trustmark’s Starmark (now Small Business Benefits) division in 2005. In 2009, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, leading Trustmark’s Employer Medical business, where he spearheaded Trustmark’s strategic transition from fully insured major medical to innovative self-funding options for smaller employers. In 2018, Anderson was promoted to Executive Vice President overseeing all of Trustmark’s self-funded business, and, in 2019, he assumed leadership of Trustmark’s flagship growth business, Trustmark Voluntary Benefits. There, he and his team led development of Trustmark’s group voluntary product suite, expanded the sales force, forged relationships with leading national benefits brokers, and generated consecutive years of record revenue and earnings.

Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from North Park University. He is a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries and a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.

About Trustmark Mutual Holding Company

Trustmark, through its operating divisions and subsidiaries, offers specialized expertise in voluntary benefits, self-funded health plan design and administration for smaller employers, and in-person and virtual corporate and community fitness solutions. Trustmark’s commitment to building long-term, trusted relationships helps people, businesses, and communities thrive. Trustmark: benefits beyond benefits. Visit us at https://trustmarkbenefits.com/