Nationwide Financial, Lincoln Investment Announce New C-Suite Leaders

Nationwide Financial Names President and COO

Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker announced today that Craig Hawley has been named the incoming president and COO of Nationwide Financial, effective Sept. 1. In January, John Carter announced his intention to retire as leader of the company’s financial services business. 

“With more than 30 years in the financial services industry, Craig Hawley is a results-driven leader and innovator who is committed to creating value for advisors and their clients,” Walker said. “His proven track record at Nationwide makes him a strong fit to lead our financial services business, which has become a $50 billion industry leader, consistently outperforming the competition in earnings and sales growth as we deliver on our mission to protect people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care.”  

Hawley currently serves as president of Nationwide Annuity, a top 10 seller of annuity products in the U.S., representing more than $130 billion in assets in 2024. Hawley previously led Nationwide Retirement Solutions Distribution, overseeing sales teams responsible for more than $175 billion in assets under management and supporting over 2.5 million participants in preparing for and living in retirement. 

He also played a pivotal role in Nationwide’s acquisition of Jefferson National in 2017, later leading the business—renamed Nationwide Advisory Solutions—until its integration into Nationwide Annuity in 2019. His earlier roles include serving as general counsel and secretary at Jefferson National, assistant general counsel at ARM Financial Group, and associate at the law firm Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs. 

Hawley holds a juris doctor dand bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Louisville. He is an active member of several boards, including the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI), LIMRA Annuity Advisory Board, University of Louisville College of Business Board of Advisors, and the Star House Board of Trustees.  

In the coming weeks, Craig and John Carter will work together as they transition responsibilities.  

Nationwide Annuity will continue to operate under Craig Hawley’s leadership until a new leader is announced.