Ethics and
Governance

Honesty and integrity are the cornerstones of our foundation. From dealing fairly with our customers, suppliers, competitors, and each other to governing with the highest of standards, our core values are part of everything we do.

A culture of trust

Nationwide has always cared deeply about doing what’s right and 2021 was no different. Our required trainings and company-wide performance objectives underscore our commitment to protect our customers, associates, information and culture through compliance with applicable laws, regulations and company policies.

As we keep building upon our strong ethical culture, our Code of Conduct provides guidelines to help our associates make choices that are in line with our values and our customers’ best interests. Likewise, our Supplier Code of Conduct guides our partnerships with suppliers to share our commitment to ethics and compliance, diversity, equity and inclusion, human rights, environmental sustainability and fair dealing.

We’re committed to the highest standards

Our Board of Directors undertakes an annual self-assessment of the performance of the Board and its committees, facilitated by an external firm. Policies and procedures ensure independence is maintained, and the Board assesses candidates for re-election when each three-year term ends. The roles of Chair and CEO are separate. As a mutual, incentive structures approved by the Board reward customer satisfaction, retention, value creation and long-term financial strength.

We work together
on top risks

The committee structure of our Board of Directors ensures broad and deep coverage of our top risks. Our committees include Audit, Business Innovation and Technology, Finance, Governance, Human Resources, and Sponsor and Customer. Members of each committee, and its Chair, are recommended by the Governance committee and elected by the Board. The Board and its committees meet regularly with our CEO and executive leaders on matters including strategy, business performance, risk management, and our industry environment.

Corporate Sustainability
is an enterprise responsibility

Nationwide’s Board Governance Committee oversees our Corporate Sustainability governance. Our Corporate Sustainability Council is composed of senior members of management who work together to formalize Nationwide’s long-standing More Than a Business® approach into a strategy that aligns sustainability standards to industry and consumer needs, retains talent and strengthens community relations.

We’re recognized for having some of the most diverse boards in the industry

Board of Directors1
27 %
racially/ethnically diverse
33%
women
Nationwide Funds Board of Trustees1
25 %
racially/ethnically diverse
50 %
women
Board members Debora Plunkett and Marc Howze were named to Savoy Magazine’s 2021 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors.
Board Member Suku Radia was recognized by dsm Magazine as one of 2021’s Sages Over 70
1Independent representation as of April 7, 2022.

Big company. Bigger heart.

At the core of Nationwide beats the heart of a mutual company that has always put people first. We exist to serve and protect our members.

We believe we can do more together than alone. By taking an approach to Corporate Sustainability that reflects our values and mutual company structure, we deliver better financial outcomes for our customers while considering the impact on wider society and the environment.

We’re a Fortune 100 company that offers a full range of insurance and financial services across the country.

We are a
FORTUNE 100
Company
$18.4 billion
in claims & benefits paid
$52.9 billion
total sales
A+
AM Best
received: 10/17/02; affirmed: 12/22/21
A1
Moody’s
received: 3/10/09; affirmed: 5/27/20
A+
Standard & Poor’s
received: 12/22/08; affirmed: 5/7/21

I’ve never been more excited about our opportunities to create a better tomorrow while delivering on our promises of today. It’s an exceptional time to create a more sustainable world — and together, we can.

Kirt Walker
Chief Executive Officer
Nationwide

Explore more

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Environmental Sustainability
Ethics and Governance