WFG Chairman's Council

Joe DiPaola, World Financial Group (WFG) President, CEO
The latest addition to World Financial Group's executive leadership team, Joe DiPaola joined the company as President in early 2010 and was named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in July. Prior to his new role, DiPaola served as Chief Agency Officer for Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group (TIIG), a marketing unit of Transamerica Life. DiPaola brings a wide range of field and executive experience to World Financial Group - as an agent and as a builder of an entrepreneurial sales organization. He earned a business degree from Adams State College and started his insurance and financial services career as a field agent, branch manager and general agent. After running his own agency successfully for 10 years, DiPaola joined Transamerica Life as Senior Vice President of TIIG's Western Regional Marketing Center in 2006.

Jack D. Linder, World Financial Group (WFG) Chairman of the Board
After nearly 10 years serving as WFG's President and as Executive Vice President, Jack D. Linder has assumed the reins as Chairman of WFG's Board of Directors. In these various roles, Linder has worked closely with a variety of headquarters' departments, executives and employees, providing him with a thorough understanding of the workings of the company. That experience coupled with more than 30 years in the field leading his own SVC team, made him a strong choice to serve as Chairman of WFG's Board of Directors.

Linder began his business career with Ralston-Purina. After becoming a successful executive with that company, he sought out the opportunity to build his own business. Since that time more than 20 years ago, Linder has built a strong financial services business where he continually inspires associates to achieve the same high standards of excellence that he sets for himself.

Linder, who completed his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University and holds a master's degree from Colorado State University, serves on the boards of World Group Securities, WFG's affiliated broker-dealer; WFGRe, WFG's reinsurance company; and The WFG Foundation, WFG's charitable organization. He currently splits his time between the ranch he shares with his wife of more than 45 years, Linda, in Lampasas, Texas, and his office at WFG Corporate Headquarters in Johns Creek, Ga. The Linders have four children and 17 grandchildren.

Monte Holm, World Financial Group (WFG) Chairman's Council Member
Monte Holm, moved from the construction business to build a prosperous career in the financial services industry. Over two decades, Holm built a successful business and managed a team of associates located throughout the United States and Canada. With the success of his business and his team soundly in place, Holm was asked in 2005 to expand his leadership in World Financial Group (WFG) and was named President of WFG. In 2008, he transitioned from day-to-day management of the company to a field leadership role, supporting the company's domestic and international growth initiatives.

Jeff Levitan, World Financial Group (WFG) Chairman's Council Member
Executive Vice Chairman Jeff Levitan hails from the Chicago area. He joined WFG in 1995 and achieved the CEO Marketing Director level less than five years later. In WFG, Jeff has found "wisdom, wealth, happiness and fulfillment for [him] and my family!" Jeff is one of the founders of All for One, a foundation dedicated to deterring poverty through basic health opportunities and education for children throughout the world. Jeff, a member of the WFG Millionaire's Hall of Fame, is one of our newest members on the Chairman's Council.

Réal Michaud, World Financial Group (WFG) Chairman's Council Member
Originally from St. Paul, Alberta, Réal's previous career was mainly in retail. An entrepreneur at heart, he owned his own jewelry business for 17 years. Réal joined WFG in 1999 and rose to the rank of Executive Vice Chairman in less than 10 years. Through WFG, Réal has found "the ability to touch many people's lives in so many different ways." Réal currently resides in the Edmonton area with his wife, Claudette. Three of their five children also have successful WFG businesses.

Ed Mylett, World Financial Group (WFG) Chairman's Council Member
When an injury ended a possible career in baseball, WFG's Ed Mylett climb to Chairman's Council member was steep and quick - shortly after joining WFG, he became a CEO MD, one of the youngest in the company's history. Soon after, he achieved the top level of Senior Executive Vice Chairman, and in 2006, he became the newest Chairman's Council member. In addition, Ed has been named the new WFG Agency Chairman. In this role, Ed works closely with the WFG Marketing team, as well as with associates in the field, to encourage the flow of information and ideas between the two groups.

Xuan Nguyen, World Financial Group (WFG) Chairman's Council Member
World Financial Group's Xuan Nguyen, began his career in social services. He never thought he would one day own his own business and still continue to do what he loved most - help people. Turning to the financial services industry, Nguyen was able to do both. After learning about WFG, Nguyen has spent the past two decades building a successful WFG business and team of associates who bring financial services and products to people from all walks of life. In early 2009, he achieved WFG's highest field leadership promotion – Executive Chairman.

Rich Thawley, World Financial Group (WFG) Chairman's Council Member
More than 20 years ago World Financial Group's Rich Thawley took a chance with his future, leaving his job as an assistant university athletic director to join the financial services industry. Throughout his career, Thawley has been most admired for his enthusiasm and passion for bringing critical financial concepts to everyday people who are looking to build a strong financial future. Today, he continues to inspire and motivate associates throughout WFG to help families achieve financial independence.