Paula Cole

Paula Cole is Vice President and Leader of Nationwide Financials Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) business. As P&L CEO, she drives sales growth, manages expenses, and leads strategic initiatives to transfer pension liabilities from plan sponsors. With over 20 years of experience, Paula has successfully launched and transformed U.S. PRT businesses, including Nationwide’s market entry, earning her the 2021 Sales Associate of the Year award.

A champion of inclusion and equity, she serves as President of Nationwide’s African American Women Associate Resource Group and sits on the CEO Advisory Council. Paula also leads in the community as Board President of Thurber House and supports the National MS Society. She was recognized by Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Next Gen Summit (2023) and Who’s Who in Black Columbus (2024). A former collegiate athlete and certified personal trainer, Paula holds degrees in Sociology, Business Administration, and Operational Excellence.