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News Article

October 22, 2026

Stuart Henderson, Former Western National President and CEO, to Be Inducted into Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame

(Minneapolis, Minn.) Western National Insurance Group is pleased to announce that its former CEO and President, Stuart Henderson, has been named a 2026 Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame inductee.

This honor recognizes Henderson’s leadership, innovation, and service in Minnesota’s insurance community, as well as his lasting impact on the field. Henderson will be formally recognized during the annual Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on October 22, 2026, at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

During his 20-year tenure at the helm of Western National Insurance Group (2001 to 2021), Henderson led a dramatic transformation of the company from a financially challenged regional carrier into a high-performing, A+ (Superior)-rated super-regional insurer operating in more than 20 states. He drove strategic diversification, fortified a commitment to the independent agency distribution system, and fostered a culture of innovation and customer focus. In addition, his thought leadership – shared through industry publications, national forums, and public testimony – influenced broader conversations around the role and value of mutual insurance companies.

Henderson also made significant contributions to the community by embedding philanthropy and service into the culture of Western National Insurance Group. He established and supported a variety of community-oriented initiatives, such as paid volunteer days for employees, a charitable giving program that allocated a percentage of annual profits to community organizations, and partnerships with numerous local nonprofits. These efforts resulted in meaningful financial contributions and thousands of volunteer hours spent in the community.

Western National Insurance Group, headquartered in Edina, Minn., is a super-regional group of property-and-casualty insurance companies. The Group writes business through six active insurance companies—Western National Mutual Insurance Company, Western National Assurance Company, Pioneer Specialty Insurance Company, Umialik Insurance Company, American Freedom Insurance Company, and affiliate, Michigan Millers Insurance Company. Together, the affiliated Group writes over $1 billion in personal and commercial direct premium in 20 states across the Northern, Midwestern, and Western U.S. as well as in Alaska; and surety bonds in 43 states. All of the companies’ products are sold exclusively through professional Independent Insurance Agents.

For further information, please contact:

Julia Jenson, AINS
Vice President – Communications & Business Transformation
(952) 303-8789
julia.jenson@wnins.com