Fortune 500 company Mutual of Omaha Chairman Dan Neary is giving up his seat to CEO James Blackledge.

“The last three years have been among Mutual of Omaha’s strongest,” Neary, who recently announced his retirement, said in a press release.

Neary climbed the company ladder, beginning with the group as an actuary and advancing to his eventual appointment as president in 2003 and CEO in 2004.

“We’ve continued to achieve financial success while launching significant initiatives to enhance the customer experience," Neary said. "We have every confidence in James as he steps into this expanded role, and we look forward to his Board leadership.”

Blackledge replaced Neary as CEO in 2015 when Neary was promoted to chairman.

“I’m honored to serve this great company,” Blackledge, who has been with Mutual of Omaha since 1989, said in a press release.

As the sixth chairman in Mutual’s 109-year history, Blackledge will continue his role as executive director for the Greater Omaha Chamber Board of Directors Executive Committee and chairman for the organization's Economic Development Committee. He will also remain a member of the Creighton University Board of Trustees and the Essence Group Holding Corp. Board of Directors

“We have an excellent leadership team, dedicated employees and a talented and engaged board,” Blackledge said. “There is no limit to what we can achieve on behalf of our customers.”