[8-K] Horace Mann Educators Corporation Reports Material Event

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Horace Mann Educators Corporation announced that Stephen J. McAnena, its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, stepped down from his officer position effective August 10, 2025. He will remain employed through March 1, 2026 (the "Transition Period") to help ensure a smooth handover of his duties.

During the Transition Period Mr. McAnena will be paid a salary at a rate of $575,000 per year, will be eligible to participate in the Companys 2025 Annual Incentive Plan and employee benefit programs, and his outstanding equity awards will continue to vest or be eligible to vest according to their current terms. Any unvested equity awards remaining at the end of the Transition Period will automatically terminate. His separation is subject to the terms of Horace Mann Service Corporations Executive Severance Plan.

Positive

• Orderly transition: the COO will remain employed through March 1, 2026 to ensure continuity
• Defined compensation: salary at a rate of $575,000 per year during the Transition Period
• Continued incentive participation: eligibility for the 2025 Annual Incentive Plan and employee benefit programs
• Equity vesting preserved: outstanding equity awards will continue to vest or be eligible to vest in accordance with current terms

Negative

• Senior officer stepped down: the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer relinquished his officer role effective August 10, 2025
• Unvested awards risk termination: any unvested equity awards remaining at the end of the Transition Period will automatically terminate

Insights

Financial Analyst

TL;DR: Planned COO step-down with a paid transition and continued vesting minimizes immediate disruption but signals a leadership change.

The filing documents a controlled transition: the COO relinquished his officer role effective August 10, 2025 but will remain employed through March 1, 2026, drawing a salary at $575,000 annually and remaining eligible for the 2025 incentive plan and benefits. Outstanding equity awards will continue to vest per existing terms, but any awards unvested at the transitions end will terminate. From a near-term financial perspective the company has locked in known cash compensation and preserved standard equity vesting mechanics, which contains short-term cost and accounting implications without revealing replacement plans.

Corporate Governance Expert

TL;DR: Departure handled under formal transition and severance structures, reflecting routine governance processes rather than abrupt leadership turmoil.

The disclosure is concise and focuses on transition mechanics: continued employment through March 1, 2026, specified salary, participation in the 2025 Annual Incentive Plan, and continued vesting of outstanding equity awards in accordance with their terms. The filing also notes that the separation is governed by the companys Executive Severance Plan. These elements indicate the company is following established governance and compensation protocols for senior executive departures. The filing does not name a successor or outline changes to corporate strategy or reporting lines.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report: August 10, 2025

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware			1-10890			37-0911756
(State of incorporation)			(Commission File Number)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62715‑0001

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 217‑789‑2500

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐			Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐			Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐			Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐			Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.001 par value

HMN

New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 5.02: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

Stephen J. McAnena, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has stepped down from his officer position with Horace Mann Educators Corporation (“Horace Mann” or “the Company”) effective August 10, 2025. As part of this decision, Mr. McAnena will remain employed with the Company through March 1, 2026 (the “Transition Period”) to help ensure a smooth transition of his duties and responsibilities at the Company.

During the Transition Period, Mr. McAnena will remain employed with the Company and will be paid a salary at a rate of $575,000 per year and will be eligible to participate in the Company’s 2025 Annual Incentive Plan and employee benefit programs in accordance with their terms. In addition, during the Transition Period, Mr. McAnena’s outstanding equity awards will continue to vest or, in the case of performance-based equity awards, be eligible to vest in accordance with their current terms. Any unvested equity awards held by Mr. McAnena at the end of the Transition Period will automatically terminate. Mr. McAnena’s separation is subject to the terms of Horace Mann Service Corporation’s Executive Severance Plan.

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

			HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
			By:			/s/ Donald M. Carley
						Name:			Donald M. Carley
						Title:			Executive Vice President, General Counsel
									and Corporate Secretary

Date: August 12, 2025

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FAQ

What happened to Horace Mann (HMN) executive leadership?

The filing states that Stephen J. McAnena, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, stepped down from his officer position effective August 10, 2025.

Will the former COO remain with HMN after stepping down?

Yes. He will remain employed by the company through March 1, 2026 (the Transition Period) to assist with duties and responsibilities.

What compensation will the departing COO receive during the transition?

During the Transition Period he will be paid a salary at a rate of $575,000 per year and will be eligible to participate in the 2025 Annual Incentive Plan and employee benefit programs.

What happens to the departing COO's equity awards?

Outstanding equity awards will continue to vest or be eligible to vest in accordance with their current terms; any unvested awards at the end of the Transition Period will automatically terminate.

Is the separation subject to any severance arrangement?

Yes. The filing states the separation is subject to the terms of Horace Mann Service Corporations Executive Severance Plan.

Does the filing name a successor or replacement for the COO?

No. The filing does not identify a successor or describe changes to reporting lines or responsibilities beyond the Transition Period arrangements.