Steven A. Kandarian From Humble Beginnings to MetLife Success

Steven A. Kandarian's journey to success is truly inspiring. Born in 1953, he grew up in a modest household with his parents and siblings.

He graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1975 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Kandarian's early career was marked by a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.

Steven A. Kandarian's career at MetLife is a notable one. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as the company's chief investment officer since April 2005.

As CIO, Kandarian oversaw initiatives that strengthened MetLife's investment portfolio and enhanced risk management. He is credited with preparing the company's portfolio prior to the 2007 recession by anticipating the housing bubble and selling Stuyvesant Town—Peter Cooper Village in Manhattan in 2006.

In his first three months as CEO, Kandarian expanded the company's senior leadership team with the hiring of Frans Hijkoop and Martin Lippert. He also announced a 25-year agreement to acquire the naming rights to the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets, now known as MetLife Stadium.

Kandarian's leadership also led to a significant shift in the company's focus, moving away from retail banking. On July 21, 2011, MetLife announced its intention to sell its deposit banking business, citing regulatory challenges.

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MetLife has a long history of innovation and strategic decision-making, particularly under the leadership of Steven A. Kandarian. As the company's CEO, Kandarian oversaw a number of initiatives that strengthened MetLife's investment portfolio.

Kandarian was appointed as MetLife's chief investment officer in April 2005, a position he held before becoming CEO. In this role, he was credited with preparing MetLife's portfolio prior to the 2007 recession by anticipating the housing bubble and selling Stuyvesant Town—Peter Cooper Village in Manhattan in 2006.

One of Kandarian's key decisions as CEO was to expand the company's senior leadership team. Within his first three months in the role, he hired Frans Hijkoop to head human resources and Martin Lippert to oversee global technology.

MetLife also made significant changes to its business operations under Kandarian's leadership. The company moved away from retail banking, with a plan to sell its deposit banking business announced on July 21, 2011. This decision was made to focus on the company's global insurance and employee benefits businesses.

Here is a list of some of the key changes made by Kandarian during his tenure as CEO:

Kandarian grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Lillian and Albert Kandarian. He graduated from William H. Hall High School.

Kandarian has held several roles in private equity, including as founder and managing partner of Orion Partners, LP.

He is a board member of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.

Kandarian received a B.A. from Clark University.

Steven Kandarian's leadership style is a great example of telling it like he sees it. He openly criticized the Feds, suggesting they were getting their math wrong.

This approach drew criticism from some analysts and investors, but Kandarian stood by his observation.

Steven A. Kandarian's early life was shaped by his family's history. His ancestors immigrated to the United States from Armenia in the late nineteenth century.

The Kandarian family fled their home country to avoid persecution from the Ottoman Empire. This experience had a lasting impact on their lives, as Steven's father told his children they would "never" return to Armenia.

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Steven's father wasn't a high-powered executive and he wasn't a wealthy man. He took excellent care of his family, which was a middle-class family.

Steven wasn't privileged as a boy or a teen, but he worked his way up the ladder to become a high-wage-earning CEO.

The Kandarian family's ancestors originated from Armenia, a country with a rich history and culture. They immigrated to the United States in the late nineteenth century.

The family's move was prompted by persecution from the Ottoman Empire, forcing them to flee their home country. This experience had a lasting impact on the family's identity and values.

Lilian's father, Steven's grandfather, played a significant role in shaping the family's values and traditions. He emphasized the importance of learning English and education, telling his children they would "never" return to Armenia.

Here's an interesting read: Armenia Fund

Steven Kandarian's impressive business career is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills. He has been a director/board member at several prominent companies, including EXXON MOBIL CORPORATION, LB Hercules Holdings LLC, and Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

At the age of 12, Kandarian was already making investments in stock, showcasing his business acumen and foresight. This early start laid the foundation for his future success in the corporate world. He has held various positions, including Director/Board Member, Chairman, and Corporate Officer/Principal.

Here are some of the key positions held by Steven Kandarian:

In the world of business and leadership, having active positions in various companies can be a testament to one's expertise and influence. Steven Kandarian is a notable example of a leader who has held multiple positions across different organizations.

Let's take a look at some of his current roles:

It's worth noting that Kandarian's involvement in these companies spans various industries, from finance to energy, and demonstrates his ability to adapt and lead in different contexts.

Steven Kandarian showed business insight at age 12 by starting to plan for his financial future and making investments in stock.

Most 12-year-olds are focused on sports or playing games with friends, but not Steven, who was already thinking about his financial future.

He made investments in stock before even becoming a teenager, a rare and impressive feat for someone so young.

Steven A. Kandarian was the CEO of MetLife for eight years, helping the company navigate intense regulatory oversight in the wake of the financial crisis.

Prior to becoming CEO, Kandarian was MetLife's chief investment officer since April 2005, overseeing initiatives that strengthened the company's investment portfolio and risk management.

Kandarian is credited with preparing MetLife's portfolio prior to the 2007 recession by anticipating the housing bubble and selling Stuyvesant Town—Peter Cooper Village in Manhattan in 2006.

He expanded the company's senior leadership team with the hiring of Frans Hijkoop to head human resources and Martin Lippert to oversee global technology.

In his first three months as CEO, Kandarian also announced MetLife's 25-year agreement to acquire the naming rights to the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets, now known as MetLife Stadium.

Kandarian moved the company away from retail banking, announcing the sale of its deposit banking business on July 21, 2011, citing regulations written for banking institutions.

Here are some key leadership positions held by Steven A. Kandarian: