VP, Distribution

Committed to providing life insurance solutions since 1969 in the United States and globally since 1975, Citizens, Inc. is a publicly traded company (NYSE: CIA) that has maintained a listing on the New York Stock Exchange since 2002. Operating through our insurance subsidiaries, we strategically offer traditional insurance products in niche markets to capitalize on competitive advantages. With a dedicated team of employees located in Austin, Louisiana and a global network of agents, our reach extends to Latin America, Central America, and Asia. Below is a professional executive-level job description modeled after the structure you provided, adapted for the role of Vice President, Private Client Strategic Distribution & Partnerships at Citizens Life.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Title: Vice President, Distribution Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt Reports To: Chief Distribution Officer Location: Remote At Citizens, Inc., we are committed to building innovative distribution strategies that create growth, deliver value to our clients, and expand our position within the life insurance marketplace. We foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and entrepreneurial thinking, empowering our leaders to shape the future of distribution and product innovation. The Vice President, Distribution will play a critical leadership role in defining and executing the Company's growth strategy across the affluent, high-net-worth, international, and private client markets. This executive will be responsible for building and optimizing distribution channels, driving product positioning, developing strategic partnerships, and expanding Citizens Life's presence through broker, IMO, MGA, agency, and international distribution networks. This position requires an accomplished distribution leader with deep expertise in life insurance products, relationship management, strategic planning, and channel development. The successful candidate will lead market expansion efforts while ensuring sustainable growth, profitability, and long-term competitive advantage. Role Summary The Vice President, Distribution is responsible for establishing and executing distribution, product, and growth strategies for Citizens Life's Private Client Division. This executive will work closely with Product, Marketing, Operations, Actuarial, Compliance, and Executive Leadership to maximize sales results and profitability across the portfolio. The role will focus on developing and distributing life insurance and wealth preservation solutions, including:

• Indexed Universal Life (IUL)
• Universal Life (UL)
• Term Life Insurance
• Survivorship Life Products
• Wealth Transfer and Estate Planning Solutions
• Annuities
• A&H
• Future Private Client Product Offerings

The Vice President will create and lead a distribution optimization strategy and revenue management focused on premier brokerage firms, elite IMOs, MGAs, advisory networks, private client groups, financial professionals, and international distribution partners.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Develop and execute the overall Private Client Distribution Strategy aligned with corporate growth objectives.
• Establish long-term sales, distribution, and market expansion initiatives that drive profitable growth.
• Identify emerging market opportunities, customer segments, and distribution partnerships.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop annual business plans, forecasts, and growth objectives.
• Evaluate market trends, competitive activity, and customer needs to inform strategic decision-making.
• Drive innovation and expansion initiatives that enhance Citizens Life's position within targeted markets.

2. Distribution Development & Optimization

• Design and implement a comprehensive distribution optimization strategy across brokers, IMOs, MGAs, agencies, and strategic distribution partners.
• Recruit, develop, and manage high-performing distribution relationships.
• Expand Citizens Life's presence within affluent, high-net-worth, business owner, and international market segments.
• Establish production standards, growth targets, and accountability measures across distribution channels.
• Identify and cultivate new distribution opportunities that align with corporate profitability objectives.
• Evaluate channel productivity and redeploy resources to maximize growth and efficiency.

3. Product Strategy & Market Development

• Partner with Product Development and Executive Leadership to establish product strategy and roadmap priorities.
• Provide field and market intelligence to enhance product competitiveness and market relevance.
• Recommend new products, riders, and market solutions based on distributor and customer demand.
• Support product launches through comprehensive distribution planning and execution.
• Ensure product positioning aligns with target customer needs and competitive marketplace dynamics.

4. International Distribution Expansion

• Develop and execute international distribution strategies in approved markets.
• Identify new global growth opportunities and strategic partnerships.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure products, distribution practices, and market approaches support international expansion objectives.
• Strengthen relationships with international producers, brokerage organizations, and private client distribution firms.
• Evaluate new market opportunities and develop business cases for expansion initiatives.

5. Sales Execution & Performance Management

• Drive production growth through disciplined sales management and execution.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs), scorecards, and reporting frameworks.
• Monitor sales activity, producer engagement, profitability, persistency, and production trends.
• Maintain detailed records and performance reporting to support executive decision-making.
• Implement corrective action plans and growth initiatives based on performance results.
• Utilize data analytics to identify opportunities for increased productivity and market penetration.

6. Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build and lead a specialized wholesale distribution organization supporting private client and affluent market growth.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing sales and distribution professionals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Create succession planning and talent development programs to ensure long-term organizational strength.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction across all assigned distribution functions.

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing, Operations, Product, Actuarial, Finance, Legal, and Compliance teams to ensure successful execution of business initiatives.
• Participate in executive leadership meetings, strategic planning sessions, and corporate growth initiatives.
• Provide market feedback that influences business planning, customer experience improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Support enterprise-wide initiatives designed to improve profitability, customer outcomes, and operational effectiveness.

8. Additional Responsibilities

• Represent Citizens Life at industry conferences, events, and strategic partner meetings.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, regulatory developments, and competitive market dynamics.
• Travel as necessary to support distribution partners, strategic initiatives, and business development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, Insurance, or a related field.
• Advanced Degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive life insurance distribution leadership experience.
• Proven success developing and managing broker, IMO, MGA, agency, and advisory distribution relationships.
• Deep knowledge of life insurance products, including IUL, UL, Term Life, Survivorship Life, and Annuities.
• Strong understanding of affluent, high-net-worth, estate planning, wealth transfer, and international market segments.
• Demonstrated experience building distribution strategies that generate measurable sales growth.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing sales and distribution teams.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and financial acumen.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive organizational alignment.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, sales analytics, Microsoft Office, and business intelligence tools.
• Ability to travel extensively as business needs require.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

• Strategic thinking with a demonstrated ability to translate vision into measurable results.
• Strong executive presence and leadership capability.
• Entrepreneurial mindset focused on growth and market expansion.
• Proven track record of exceeding revenue and profitability goals.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with producers, distributors, and business partners.
• Ability to identify market opportunities and develop scalable distribution solutions.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Data-driven decision-making and performance management expertise.
• Ability to lead through influence across multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Commitment to delivering superior customer and distributor experiences.

This role offers a unique opportunity to build and scale Citizens Life's Private Client Distribution business while helping shape the future direction of the company's growth, product, and distribution strategy. BENEFITS (the fun stuff) As an employee of Citizens, we promise you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers, communities, and one another. We believe in fostering a culture of camaraderie, where your ideas are valued, and collaborative efforts drive innovation. Our commitment to rewarding work extends beyond professional growth to recognize your individual contributions and achievements. We take a complete approach to our employees' well-being. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, AD&D, group term life insurance, and a matching 401k to secure your financial future. Our benefits plan allows for Virtual Visits and access to our Employee Assistance Program, showcasing our commitment to your health and work-life balance. Enjoy the added perks of generous Paid Time Off and holidays, ensuring you have the time to recharge and savor life outside of work. Join us and embrace a workplace that values not only your professional growth but also your personal fulfillment.

At Citizens, our employees and customers are at the heart of everything we do. Our success as a company begins with our team of employees and departments to service our customers. That's why we strive to create an environment where employees are equipped and challenged to reach their full potential. Citizens is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to a