Unum 2015 Annual Report Download - page 6

44
But while we are constantly evolving to reflect a new reality, what
remains unchanged is our commitment to protecting the financial
stability of millions of working people and their families.
OUR BRAND
I’ve always believed that a good brand is a promise made, but
a great brand is a promise kept.
We strive to be a company viewed not just for its financial
performance but as a thought leader in our industry, as a good
corporate citizen, and as an employer of choice. Most importantly,
we want to be viewed as a company that keeps its promises.
In recent years, we have elevated our stature as a leading voice for
our industry. Largely due to our efforts, the need for and value of
financial protection benefits are growing topics of conversation, and
we’ve built partnerships with industry groups and policymakers
in both the U.S. and U.K. that can move us closer to our goal of
protecting the financial security of more working people and
their families.
At the same time, our commitment to making our communities
better is a cornerstone of our business. The primary focus of our
community outreach is public education, because we firmly believe
that by helping develop stronger individuals we create stronger
communities and a better prepared workforce. In 2015, we contributed
nearly $13 million and our employees volunteered more than
88,000 hours to charitable organizations throughout the U.S., U.K.
and Ireland.
Our brand starts with our people. Our ability to deliver on the
promises we make to our customers and shareholders rests with
them. I can’t thank our employees enough for what they do every
day to support the needs of all of our stakeholders. It’s for this
reason that we take pride in our efforts to provide a rewarding work
environment, recognizing that our employees can only be at their
best if they have the opportunity to grow and learn. As a result,
we’ve been recognized as a top employer both nationally as well
as in our home states.
These efforts not only benefit our employees, but they also ensure
that we live up to our commitments to the people who rely on us
during some of the most trying times of their lives.
OUTLOOK FOR 2016
Thomas Edison once said: “Opportunity is missed by most people
because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
At Unum, we understand that it takes good old-fashioned hard work
to capitalize on opportunities. Fortunately, we have developed a
culture where the value of hard work is ingrained at every level of
the organization. It shows up in the form of smart strategic decision-
making, focused execution and consistent performance and results.
We aim to further our momentum in 2016, as we anticipate continued
top-line growth while maintaining solid operating margins and
significant financial flexibility to support the needs of our businesses.
Looking ahead, we see plenty of opportunities to grow our business –
and we intend to capitalize on them. Each day, more and more
people are counting on us for help protecting their livelihoods
and quality of life, and we’re committed to being there when they
need us.
In summary, we are in good operating businesses with strong
market positions, and we have built a solid financial foundation. By
continuing to anticipate the needs of our customers, and by remaining
disciplined in everything we do, we’ll be well-positioned to deliver
even greater value to our shareholders in the future.
As I approach my first anniversary as CEO, every day I am thankful
for the opportunity to lead a company with such an accomplished
past and an extremely promising future. I truly believe we are not
only stronger today than ever before, but that we are uniquely
positioned for growth and continued financial success.
Thank you for the confidence and trust you place in all of us at
Unum. We will do everything possible to continue to earn it.
Richard (Rick) McKenney
President and CEO
“ Our brand starts with our people.
Our ability to deliver on the promises
we make to our customers and
shareholders rests with them.”