Country Financial CEO Bock Plans to Retire in January

Kurt Bock will retire as chief executive officer of Illinois-based Country Financial effective January 31, 2019, after serving in the leadership role for seven years. The company said a search for his successor is underway.

Bock has been chief executive officer since 2012.

As CEO, Bock led Country Financial’s mergers of Cotton States Mutual Insurance Co. and MiddleOak Insurance Companies and stressed digital and data analytics capabilities, customer focus and employee development.

“With all the changes underway driving technology and innovation at Country Financial, I am extremely proud that we keep our focus on the customer and on the people who take care of them,” said Bock. “I am very proud to be a part of this industry and all we do to protect customers and secure futures. For me, there has been no better or nobler purpose.”

Before joining Country, he was CEO of the IAA Credit Union from 2003 to 2005, served as treasurer of Country and the Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA) from 2005 to 2008, and was the chief operating officer of Horizon Hobby until his selection as the Country CEO. Prior to joining IAA in 2003, Bock served in the United States Air Force for 28 years, attaining the rank of Colonel. During his military career, he served in flying command positions and as a senior strategic planner for NATO in Brussels, Belgium.

The insurer does business in 19 states offering farm home, auto, business, crop, specialty, life and retirement insurance products. It has more than 3,800 employees.