_(2).jpg)
The Standard has announced the appointment of two senior leaders to head its newly expanded sales and client management structure. Rick Johnstone has been named Senior Vice President of National Accounts Sales and Client Management, while Paul Gardner has been appointed Senior Vice President of Regional Accounts Sales and Client Management, reinforcing the company's market strategy following recent acquisitions.
The Standard appoints two SVPs to lead expanded sales and client management teams.
Rick Johnstone will lead the newly established National Accounts practice.
Paul Gardner will lead the Regional Accounts practice.
The move follows the integration of voluntary products from the Allstate Benefits acquisition.
The company is unifying its offerings to serve employers of all sizes more effectively.
A broad suite of integrated products will be available starting January 1, 2026.
This leadership restructuring comes as The Standard integrates the voluntary products from its acquisition of Allstate Benefits, its second significant acquisition in two years. Rick Johnstone, a veteran who joined the company in 1998, will leverage his deep internal experience to lead the new national accounts practice. In contrast, Paul Gardner, who joined recently in 2025, brings extensive external sales leadership experience from roles at Allstate Benefits, New York Life, and Cigna Group Insurance to lead the regional accounts team.
The appointments are central to The Standard's strategy to offer a comprehensive and unified benefits suite. By establishing dedicated national and regional account practices, the company aims to provide tailored expertise and flexibility to employers of all sizes. “We have built a unified offering that truly sets us apart, and I’m pleased that our comprehensive suite of benefits will be represented in the market by two extraordinary leaders," said David Payne, executive vice president of Employee Benefits at The Standard. This approach is designed to leverage the combined strength of its existing products and newly acquired voluntary benefits.
The strategic hires signal The Standard's entry into a new era of growth and market redefinition. Effective January 1, 2026, the full integration of products will deliver one of the broadest benefit offerings in the marketplace. By placing seasoned leaders like Johnstone and Gardner at the helm of distinct market segments, The Standard is positioning itself to compete more effectively and provide enhanced capabilities to a wider range of employers.
Established in 1906, The Standard is a family of companies dedicated to helping customers achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. We are a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individual customers. Our products include group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and group vision insurance, absence management and paid family leave services, retirement plans products and services and annuities for employers and individual customers.
TechIntelPro empowers B2B technology decision-makers with the latest industry trends, deep insights, leadership perspectives and actionable intelligence to drive both organizational and professional milestones—and thrive on the tech pulse.