Timeline 2000 – Present

Take a look back at Mutual of Omaha through the years.

Dan Neary, former president

2000s

2001

Mutual launches an initiative to revitalize its brand. The initiative included an extensive advertising campaign, new “Begin Today” slogan, updated insignia and new corporate sponsorship of USA Swimming.

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom also enters a new dimension with the launch of its website.

2002

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom roars back to television on the Animal Planet network.

At the same time, the first Wild Kingdom Kids Summit, which challenged 9-12-year-olds to think of ways to save endangered wildlife, is held in Los Angeles.

2003

Daniel P. Neary is named president of Mutual of Omaha.

Mutual of Omaha’s Duel in the Pool is launched – pitting top American and Australian swimmers in head-to-head competition. Duels take place in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011.

Mutual ceases sales of individual major medical insurance policies in February and all variable life and variable annuity products in May. Security Benefit Group assumes the reinsurance of Mutual’s existing variable annuity and variable life insurance blocks.

Taking a swing at a whole new audience, Mutual of Omaha expands its brand efforts through a new marketing sponsorship – professional golf.

2004

Mutual of Omaha’s Drive, Chip and Putt Junior Challenge, presented by the Golf Channel, kicks off in February of 2004 and runs through 2008. A golf skills competition for kids ages 7-14, it is held in more than 100 cities across the country.

Chairman and CEO Jack Weekly passes away Dec. 17.

2005

Daniel P. Neary is named chairman and CEO. He is only the fifth chairman of the company.

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour, a unique interactive mobile experience that conveys excitement and adventure of the Wild Kingdom, kicks off and visits fairs and festivals nationwide.

In order to handle the company’s significant charitable giving, the Mutual of Omaha Foundation is established.

2006

Revitalizing the area around its headquarters, Mutual of Omaha unveils a $300 million mixed-use urban development project called Midtown Crossing at Turner Park.

2007

Mutual of Omaha forms Omaha Financial Holdings, Inc. (OFHI) as a holding company for banking operations. OFHI opens Mutual of Omaha Bank with 13 locations and more than $700 million in assets after acquiring community banks in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, and Golden, Colorado.

Mutual exits the group health business, with Coventry Health Care acquiring the company’s group health line.

2008

The company sponsors the Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational. It was the final opportunity for swimmers to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Trials, which were held in Omaha.

Mutual of Omaha Bank acquires from the FDIC the deposits of the failed First National Bank of Nevada and its affiliate, First Heritage Bank of Newport Beach, California. The acquisition significantly increases the bank’s size and geographic reach.

2009

Mutual of Omaha celebrates its centennial.

The million-square-foot development, Midtown Crossing, opens in 2009.

Stephanie Arne

2010s

2010

Mutual of Omaha Bank expands to Florida, opening locations in Tampa and Naples and taking over a failed bank on Marco Island.

2012

The second Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational, a precursor to the 2012 Olympic Swim Trials, is held in Omaha.

2013

The 50th anniversary of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom is celebrated with a nationwide contest to find its new “Wild Guide.” Stephanie Arne of Honolulu wins the Wild Guide contest and hosts the program’s new web series.

Mutual of Omaha enters IndyCar racing, becoming an associate sponsor of the Andretti Autosport team and driver Marco Andretti.

2014

Mutual of Omaha becomes one of the few insurance companies to offer an online application for Medicare Supplement policies. The initial application launched in seven states and will be made available in all states throughout 2015.

James Blackledge is appointed president of Mutual of Omaha.

2015

James Blackledge is named CEO of Mutual of Omaha.

2016

Mutual of Omaha Bank and PrimeLending partner to form Mutual of Omaha Mortgage. The company offers customers a wide range of home financing products and services.

2017

Mutual of Omaha launched its "Begin by Listening" advertising campaign in May 2017.

2018

James Blackledge succeeded Dan Neary as the new Chairman of the Board.

The company released the following products: Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, Group Vision and enhanced Group Dental, a Guaranteed Whole Life product with funeral concierge services.

2019

Mutual of Omaha launched healthy lifestyle program for Medicare supplement customers.

CIT acquired Mutual of Omaha Bank.

2020

Mutual of Omaha announces the evolution of its corporate logo.

2022

Mutual of Omaha announced plans to develop a new corporate headquarters facility in downtown Omaha.

2023

Mutual of Omaha began construction on its new corporate headquarters facility.