Daniel J. Houston has been the CEO of Principal Financial Group since 2014, bringing his vast expertise in finance to the forefront of the company. Under his leadership, Principal has navigated the complex financial landscape with a focus on strong...

Daniel J. Houston has been the CEO of Principal Financial Group since 2014, bringing his vast expertise in finance to the forefront of the company. Under his leadership, Principal has navigated the complex financial landscape with a focus on strong performance metrics and strategic growth. Houston has seen his compensation grow significantly over the years, with a total earnings of $15.1 million in 2023, which includes a salary of $1 million and a substantial vested stock award worth $9.6 million. Interestingly, there was no bonus awarded that year as certain performance metrics were not met, reflecting the company's pay-for-performance philosophy. His time at Principal has been marked by notable stock trading activity, indicating confidence in the company's direction; in 2023, he held about $21.4 million in company shares as he consistently sold and acquired stocks based on performance evaluations. Houston is also focused on aligning executive interests with shareholder goals, emphasizing stock ownership. During his tenure, he has benefitted from stock and compensation plans designed to keep executives incentivized. Overall, Houston's journey is a blend of strategic financial management and stock performance, positioning Principal Financial Group for further growth in the financial services industry.