Carter’s tenure at Nationwide Financial has been marked by significant achievements. Under his leadership, the company experienced four consecutive years of record-breaking sales, achieving a 62% growth since 2019.
Nationwide Financial also expanded its partnerships with key distribution networks and modernized its core business systems. Over the past five years, more than 25% of the firm’s sales have come from new businesses, solutions, and partnerships, including high-growth offerings such as Protected Retirement, Pension Risk Transfer, and CareMatters, the company’s suite of long-term care products.
Carter joined Nationwide in 2005 as President of Nationwide Financial Sales and Distribution. He later became President of Nationwide Retirement Plans in 2013 before being named President and COO of Nationwide Financial in 2019. His previous leadership roles included positions at Prudential Financial, UBS, and Kidder Peabody.
Transformational Leadership
Known for his commitment to fostering a strong organizational culture, Carter introduced initiatives aimed at enhancing employee engagement and performance. In 2013, he launched Nationwide Financial’s internship program, which continues to provide opportunities for emerging talent.
A graduate of the University of Missouri, Carter has maintained close ties with his alma mater, supporting initiatives such as the Tiger Scholarship Fund and serving on the Robert J. Trulaske College of Business Marketing Advisory Board. He also established the Sales and Customer Development program within the university’s College of Business.
Advocacy and Industry Impact
Carter has been a consistent advocate for retirement security in the United States, frequently engaging with policymakers in Washington, D.C., to influence regulatory and industry discussions. He has served on the boards of several prominent organizations, including the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), the Insured Retirement Institute, the Employee Benefit Research Institute, and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.
In 2020, Carter spearheaded the creation of the Financial Alliance for Racial Equity (FARE), a coalition aimed at fostering economic wealth in diverse communities and promoting inclusivity within the financial services industry.
Commitment to Community
Carter’s contributions extended beyond the workplace. Within Nationwide, he co-sponsored initiatives like the Nationwide Latino Alliance and the Nationwide Cares campaign, which encourages employee volunteerism and charitable giving.
Carter also served as Chair of the Champions of the Community Board for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, a PGA tournament benefiting pediatric cancer research. Under his leadership, the event has raised $30 million since 2007 to support Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
As he prepares for retirement, Carter leaves behind a legacy of growth, innovation, and community impact. His influence will undoubtedly be felt across the financial services industry and beyond.
“John’s leadership throughout his 20 years at Nationwide has played a significant and lasting role in the company’s success,” said Kirt Walker, CEO of Nationwide. “Through John’s vision and leadership, Nationwide Financial has grown into one of America’s leading financial services firms.”
“John will leave a lasting impact on the industry and Nationwide, and Nationwide Financial is well positioned to continue its above-industry growth for years to come because of his leadership,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. Walker shared that Carter will be with the organization through the end of the year.
Join Leaders form Nationwide at Insurtech Insights USA 2025
Leaders from Nationwide will be taking to the stage to share the latest developments and thought leadership on their industry, at Insurtech Insights USA in New York, at the Javits Center, on June 4th and 5th 2025. For more information, visit here:
