Charles Lowrey on business evolution
From Prudential CEO + Chairman on its 150th anniversary and path forward with new leadership · · New York Stock Exchange
“We started by delivering burial insurance to working-class families who couldn't afford it. That was our only business, and over the years we've morphed and evolved and changed as our customers have changed both in the United States and now all over the world.”
On , Charles Lowrey, Executive Chairman at Prudential Financial Inc, spoke about business evolution during Prudential CEO + Chairman on its 150th anniversary and path forward with new leadership on New York Stock Exchange.
About Charles Lowrey
Charles Lowrey, Executive Chairman of Prudential Financial, marked the company's 150th anniversary in March 2025 by ringing the opening bell and participating in celebrations. He stated that Prudential's longevity is due to its "North star" of serving customers and providing financial security, and noted that the company has evolved its business mix and operating model to become "higher growth, more capital efficient." Lowrey expressed confidence in the leadership transition to incoming CEO Andy Sullivan, saying the new team has a "really strong foundation" and that he will support them as executive chairman. In earlier appearances, Lowrey discussed industry challenges including generative AI and changing customer demographics. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he emphasized Prudential's "rock-solid balance sheet" and actions taken to mitigate impacts, including pausing share repurchases and issuing a $1.5 billion green bond. He has also spoken about digital transformation in insurance, describing efforts to create a "simpler customer-focused experience" and using data analytics to predict risk. Regarding international strategy, Lowrey noted Prudential's focus on Asia and Africa, describing Africa as having "tremendous upside" and stating the company committed $350 million to invest in African life insurers.