TOPEKA, Kan., June 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Security Benefit today announced that Mike Kiley, Chief Executive Officer of Security Benefit, is the Entrepreneur Of The Year^® 2018 Heartland Award winner. The EY awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Kiley was selected by a panel of independent judges from a field of successful entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. 

“While most think of entrepreneurship as it applies in the world of small business and new ventures, EY recognizes that the skills and characteristics of entrepreneurship are essential in companies of all ages and sizes,” Kiley said. “The effort to turn around and re-establish this 126-year-old Kansas-based insurance company has been an amazing journey and I accept this award on behalf of over 1,300 associates who contributed to this recognition—our team had to look beyond limited resources, and less than ideal circumstances, to achieve success.”

As a regional award winner, Kiley is eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur of The Year^® National competition. Winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at a gala in Palm Desert, California, November 7 - 11, 2018. It is the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum^®, a gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

About Security Benefit
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company, a Kansas-based insurance company that has been in business for more than 126 years, is a leader in the U.S. retirement market. Security Benefit together with its affiliates offers products in a full range of retirement markets and wealth segments for employers and individuals and held $38 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2017. Security Benefit is one of the fastest growing U.S. retirement companies and continues its mission of helping Americans to and through retirement. www.securitybenefit.com.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year^®
Entrepreneur Of The Year^®, founded by EY, is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance and the local community. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy

About EY’s Growth Markets Network
EY’s worldwide Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of high-growth companies. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped many of the world’s most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early stage, venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight and global resources to help your business succeed. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/sgm or follow news on Twitter @EY_Growth.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

Media Contacts:
Michael Castino, Director of Public Relations, Security Benefit
michael.castino@securitybenefit.com

Ryan Hoffman, Communications Strategy Group
rhoffman@wearecsg.com