Insurer Horace Mann’s CEO, Louis Lower, jailed after DUI guilty plea; board names interim CEO

Interim leader named at insurer after CEO jailed

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The board of insurance company Horace Mann Educators Corp. said Monday it has named an interim chief executive after learning CEO Louis Lower pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and has begun serving a 60-day jail sentence in Florida.

Horace Mann’s board first learned of the details on Thursday, a day after Lower entered his plea to a charge of misdemeanor driving under the influence with property damage or personal injury and began serving his sentence in Indian River County jail, the company said.

The board decided to allow Lower to return as CEO once his jail term ends.

During Memorial Day weekend, a car the executive was driving crashed into another vehicle in Vero Beach, Fla., where he owns a home. No injuries were reported, said Horace Mann spokesman Richard Madden.

“There are no excuses to offer other than a lapse of personal character for which I take full responsibility,” Lower said in a statement. “My promise is to learn from this extremely challenging period in my life, move forward and emerge a stronger person.”

Company Chairman Gabriel Shaheen said in a statement that the board has “full confidence” in the company’s direction, its strategic initiatives and the progress its making — a course charted under Lower’s leadership.

“And in light of his exemplary service in the Springfield and insurance communities, his contrition and acceptance of full responsibility for his actions and the fact that this is his first offense, he will return to his CEO responsibilities in late October or early November,” Shaheen said.

Still, the board placed Lower on a leave of absence and is considering other disciplinary actions. It also appointed Chief Financial Officer Peter Heckman to fill in as interim CEO.

Horace Mann shares added 38 cents to $17.78 on Monday.