Surrounded by some of San Antonio’s most prominent figures inside of the Centre Club at the Weston Centre, USAA’s outgoing President and CEO Wayne Peacock both symbolically and literally passed the mic to his successor, Juan Andrade.
Peacock, who became USAA’s first civilian CEO in 2020, announced in August he would step down after five years in the role and 36 years with the company. On Thursday, he tearfully thanked those who came to bid him farewell — including Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, H-E-B’s Craig Boyan, San Antonio Food Bank’s Eric Cooper, former mayor Henry Cisneros, and his longtime mentor Ed Kelley — expressing deep gratitude for their support and shared memories.
“There are so many people here that have shaped my career, but there are also so many people here who have helped to shape San Antonio,” he said. “You’ve made it meaningful for me and [my wife] Ginny, you’ve made it fulfilling, and you’ve really made it an unforgettable ride as part of the USAA team.”
To close his remarks, Peacock expressed his full faith in Andrade, saying he feels confident that Andrade would lead USAA to even greater success and continue its commitment to serving military families.
Andrade was announced as Peacock’s successor in January. He joins USAA from Everest Group, Ltd., a Delaware-based provider of reinsurance and insurance, where he served as president and CEO since Jan. 1, 2020. Having served on USAA’s board for the past four years, he brings nearly four decades of experience in both the public and private sectors with him.
He steps into the role at a pivotal time for the company amid two rounds of layoffs last year and other major shifts for the 102-year-old financial services firm.
Set to officially take over as the head of the company on Wednesday, Andrade said he’s looking forward to the opportunity to build on the company’s legacy, strengthen its mission and continue serving military families with dedication and innovation.
“I look forward to working with you to strengthen USAA’s impact in this city, and to ensure that together, we continue to make this city the best place in America for military families to live, work and serve,” he said.
