Leadership
Learn more about the leadership and who contribute to the mission and goals of Black Excellence.
John Ridgeway
Operations Officer
John is a Director of Retirement Client Services for Principal Financial Group. John has oversight over the Client Service teams supporting Defined Benefit providers. In addition, John oversees the Learning and Development team supporting all Defined Benefit roles.
A native of Wilmington Delaware, John joined Principal in 2005 after graduating from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. In his 16 years with Principal, he has held several leadership roles supporting retirement products, in addition to spending 3 years overseeing Principal’s Leadership Development Program. In addition to his daily role, John is a member of the Cross-Enterprise Leadership Program (XEL) and current Co-Chair of Principal’s African American/Black Employee Resource Group. In 2018 he was named one of Finra’s 40 under 40 Rising Stars of Retirement.
Outside of work John also resides the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa. John and his wife Nicole are also licensed foster care providers and enjoy staying active in the community.